Principal scientist
Dr Cornel de Ronde
BSc (Geology/Geophysics) and MSc (1st Class Honours), Geology/Geophysics, University of Auckland; PhD (Geology/Geochemistry), University of Toronto
Cornel is a geologist who has pioneered internationally significant research into submarine volcanism and hydrothermal venting along the Kermadec section of the Pacific Ring of Fire, northeast of New Zealand.
His frontier research over the past three decades includes exploring active submarine volcanoes and their seafloor hot springs using surface ships, remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and manned submersibles.
Cornel has successfully led a collaboration of science and research specialists from around the world, studying a 2500 km expanse of volcanic arc between New Zealand and Samoa, and elsewhere. His current research is focused on sublacustrine hydrothermal systems in various volcanic lakes in the Rotorua area.
Cornel is internationally recognised for this work and is actively engaged in academic, education and public outreach. In 2018 he was co-chief of an IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program) expedition to drill the submarine Brothers volcano.
He has been awarded numerous international awards for his work and was awarded the Prime Minister’s Science Media Communication Prize in 2010.