About Me
Heather Handley is a volcanologist and has worked on some of the most active volcanoes on the planet. She is a passionate science communicator with extensive media experience and a champion for equity, diversity and inclusion.
Heather uses the chemistry of volcanic rocks and their minerals to better understand how volcanoes work and what triggers volcanic eruptions in order to reduce volcanic risk at local to global scales. In 2012 Heather was awarded a prestigious ARC Future Fellowship to advance our understanding of the timescales of Earth-system processes.
She is also interested in people’s perceptions of volcanic risk, and how we can advance our understanding of past volcanic impacts on humans and the environment by integrating volcanological and Indigenous knowledge with social sciences.
Heather is driven to communicate the critical role of geoscience in our sustainable future. She is Co-Founder and Director of the Earth Futures Festival an international film and video festival and co-author of the UNESCO-AGU book “Geoscience in Action: Advancing Sustainable Development”. Heather is a UNESCO Project Leader for IGCP 685 Geology for Sustainable Development.
Heather was a Science and Technology Australia 2021-2022 Superstar of STEM. She frequently writes for The Conversation and has given more than 100 television, radio and print interviews on volcanoes. Heather has featured in documentaries for National Geographic, Discovery Science, SBS Australia and RMC Découverte and is currently writing a popular science and history book on Australia’s Volcanoes for CSIRO Publishing.
Heather strongly advocates for Women in STEM, diversity and inclusion and is Co-Founder and Inaugural President of the Women in Earth and Environmental Science Australasia (WOMEESA) Network and Board Member of the Female faculty Network Twente.
Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), Department of Applied Earth Sciences (AES)Publications
UT Research Information System
Google Scholar Link
In the press
TV Documentary
2023: SBS: Great Australian Walks, Episode 4 Kiama Coastal Walk
2022: RMC Découverte: The most dangerous volcanoes in the world
2020: National Geographic: Nature's Fury: Episode 2 Shaky Island
2020: National Geographic: Nature's Fury: Episode 2 Ring of Fire
2012: Discovery Science Channel. ‘How the Earth Works’. Krakatau Volcano
Television and Video
2023: BBC News: Live interview on Icelandic volcanic activity (20 Dec)
2023: Sky News: Live interview on Icelandic volcanic activity (25 Nov)
2023: ‘The Project’ Network Ten: Newer Volcanics Province (filmed 6-8 Feb, aired 14 Feb) https://youtu.be/2TLBWGwM2Gg
2022: ABC News: Live interview on Semeru volcano (5 Dec)
2022: Al Jazeera The Stream Pre-recorded interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’pai eruption (20 Jan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2z8NLghUpg at ~17:35
2022: Al Jazeera International. Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’pai eruption (18 Jan)
2021: BBC World Television Newsday: Live interview on volcanoes in Indonesia (14 Dec)
2021: Global News Toronto: Live interview on the Mt Semeru eruption (10 Dec)
2021: ABC News The World: Live interview on the Mt Semeru eruption (8 Dec)
2021: Superstars of STEM Impact Video: Pre-recorded interview
2021: Al Jazeera International. Live interview on the pumice washed ashore in Japan (30 Oct)
2021: ABC News. Live interview STEM workforce survey in Australia (11 Oct)
2021: Al Jazeera International. Live interview on the Cumbre Vieja eruption in La Palma eruption (4 Oct)
2021: SBS News. Interview on the eruption at La Soufriere, St. Vincent (12 April).
2020: Hosted and participated in filming for Channel 9’s ‘60 Mintues’ series ‘Under Investigation’ with Presenter Liz Hayes.
2019: ‘The Living Room’ Network Ten (Pre-recorded TV interview, 16 October 2018; Aired 12 July 2019 https://10play.com.au/the-living-room/episodes/season-8/episode-16/tpv190711tzodk ~25 mins)
2018: Al Jazeera English Channel (Live TV interview, via Skype 27 December)
2018: Al Jazeera English Channel (Live TV interview, via Skype 23 December)
2018: ‘The Project’ Network Ten (Pre-recorded TV interview, 6 June) https://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-project/2018/6/6 (at ~35 minutes)
2018: ABC News on Sinabung volcano, Sumatra (Live TV interview 18 February) https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/965798273553522688
2017: BBC World News on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, via Skype 27 November)
2017: ABC News 24 ‘The World’ on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview): https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/935104362874945536
2017: Weekend Sunrise Channel 7 on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, 24 September): https://au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7/sunrise/-/watch/37203758/bali-volcano-warning/
2017: ABC News Breakfast on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, 26 September)
2017: Sky News on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, 26 September)
2017: Sky News on Agung volcano, Bali (Live TV interview, 29 September)
2017: Macquarie University video interview for general release on Agung volcano, Bali (3 October) https://www.facebook.com/macquarieuni/videos/10154800965751990/
2011: STEMNERD project with NSW high school students https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEoPMhf99hg
Blog Contributions
2018: WOMEESA at the Australian Geoscience Council Convention, 14-18th October 2018 https://www.womeesa.net/blogpage/2018/10/21/womeesa-at-the-australian-geoscience-council-convention-14-18th-october-2018
2018: Heather Handley: An academic mama https://www.capstoneediting.com.au/blog/heather-handley-an-academic-mama
Radio Interviews and Podcasts
2023: VolcaKnowledge podcast with Sam Mitchell https://www.volcaknowledge.com/home/episode/2c7bf498/s2-ep8-volcanoes-down-under-with-heather-handley
2023: ABC Radio, Overnights: Live interview on Campi Flegrei and other volcanoes (21 October) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/overnights/102978166
2023: ABC Radio Weekends with Andrea Gibbs: Live radio interview on volcanology (16 September) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/weekends/weekends/102836656 at 1 hr 23 sec
2023: ABC Illawarra: Pre-recorded interview on past volcanic activity in Kiama and Bombo (30 August) https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/illawarra-breakfast/illawarra-breakfast/102779482 at 1 hr 23 sec
2023: ABC Radio Sydney, Self-Improvement Wednesday. Live radio interview and podcast about the 1883 eruption of Krakatau (05 July) https://www.abc.net.au/sydney/programs/drive/siw-krakatoa/102566976
2023: ABC Radio, Overnights: Live interview https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/overnights/overnights/102519202 (29 June)
2023: ABC Radio, Nightlife: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/tongan-volcano-rewriting-our-scientific-understanding/101925012 (2 Feb)
2022: ABC Radio National: Pre-record interview on volcanoes (19 Dec)
2022: ABC Radio Sydney, Self-Improvement Wednesday. Radio interview and podcast ‘Could a volcano pop up in your own backyard’ (09 Nov) https://www.abc.net.au/sydney/programs/drive/siw-how-are-volcanoes-born/101635926
2022: Eastside Radio: Live interview on volcanoes (5 Sept)
2022: ABC Radio National Science Friction. Pre-recorded interview on volcanoes (29 August, aired 2 Sept) https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sciencefriction/science-friction-fire-of-love-volcano-film-krafft/14035904
2022: Gneiss Chats: podcast on volcanoes (25 August) https://www.travelinggeologist.com/podcast/volcanoes
2022: 2SER. Pre-recorded interview on volcanoes and climate (23 August)
2022: ABC Regional Drive South Australia and Broken Hill. Live interview. Myth-busting volcanoes (22 August)
2022: ABC Radio Victoria and Western Australia Evenings Show. Live interview on volcanoes (9 August)2022: 2 x podcast interviews in production (coming soon)
2022: 4BC Brisbane. Live interview (23 July)
2022: ABC Radio National Science Show Pre-recorded interview about geoscience and the Earth Futures Festival (21 May) https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/there%E2%80%99s-more-to-geoscience-than-mining/13891320
2022: ABC Radio Sydney, Self Improvement Wednesday. Radio interview and podcast on Australia’s volcanoes (23 Feb) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/sydney/programs/self-improvement-wednesday/siw-feb-23-volcanoes/13767704
2022: ABC Radio National Science Show Pre-recorded interview about geoscience in Australia and the Earth Futures Festival (22 Jan) https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/geology-departments-becoming-smaller-or-closing/13723602
2022: Morning Wave in Busan: Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (19 Jan) http://www.befm.or.kr/program/template.php?midx=89&pg=morning&cn=morning_sp&mode=view&page=1&intnum=31331
2022: ABC News Radio Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (18 Jan)
2022: ABC Radio AM Program Pre-recorded interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (18 Jan)
2022: ABC Radio Sydney Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (17 Jan) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/sydney/programs/drive/volcanologist_explains_tonga_volcano/13708372
2022: ABC Radio Regional Queensland: Live interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (17 Jan)
2022: 2GB Pre-recorded interview on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Hunga-Ha’apai eruption (16 Jan)2021: RRR Live interview on volcanoes and geoscience (17 Oct) https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/podcasts/einstein-a-go-go/episodes/5434-naming-insects-child-mental-health-after-lockdown-and-volcanoes
2021: ABC Radio National Live Interview on the eruption of Mt Semeru (6 Dec)
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/dozens-injured-as-indonesias-mt-semeru-erupts/13663236
2021: RRR Live interview on volcanoes and geoscience (17 Oct) https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/podcasts/einstein-a-go-go/episodes/5434-naming-insects-child-mental-health-after-lockdown-and-volcanoes
2021: ABC Radio AM interview on the current challenges facing scientists in Australia (11 Oct)
2021: 2HD Live interview on the La Palma eruption (20 Sept) https://www.2hd.com.au/2021/09/20/volcano-scientist
2021: 2BS 95.1 FM Live interview on Australia’s volcanoes for National Science Week (18 Aug)
2021: ABC Radio North East Live interview on Tweed volcano in northern NSW (15 July)
2021: ABC Radio South East SA Pre-recorded interview on what volcanic minerals from Mt Gambier can tell us about how magma travels to the surface from deep below the surface (15 March)
2021: ABC Radio South East SA Pre-recorded interview on current research carried out to understand the Australian Public’s perceptions of volcanic hazards and risk (1 Feb)
2020: ABC Radio National Live interview on the latest eruptions at Ili Lewotolok and Semeru volcanoes in Indonesia (2 Dec) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/newsradio/thousands-evacuate-in-indonesia-over-volcano-fears/12941658
2020: ABC Radio Melbourne: 25 minute interview on Stromboli volcano with public phone in
2020: Mamamia That’s Incredible Podcast: ‘Science’ episode on volcanoes (at ~8 min) https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/thats-incredible/science/
2019: 2SER radio interview on can we really predict a volcanic eruption (21 Dec) https://2ser.com/can-we-really-predict-a-volcanic-eruption/
2019: The Wire: pre-recorded radio interview on White Island (12 Dec) http://thewire.org.au/story/the-science-behind-the-white-island-volcano-eruption-and-what-to-expect-next/
2019: 2GB radio interview on the 2019 White Island eruption (10 Dec) https://www.2gb.com/no-way-to-escape-tourists-shouldnt-have-been-allowed-on-dangerous-white-island
2019: ABC Radio The World Today: interview on the 2019 White Island eruption (10 Dec) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/worldtoday/nz-volcano:-should-tourists-have-been-warned-of-the-dangers/11783952
2019: 2SER interview on pacific ocean pumice raft (Live Interview 31st August) https://2ser.com/a-pumice-raft-is-floating-towards-the-great-barrier-reef/
2019: ABC Kids Listen podcast: Why do volcanoes erupt? https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/imagine-this/why-do-volcanoes-erupt/11038274
2018: ABC RN Breakfast on Krakatau volcano and the tsunami (Live interview, 27 December): https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/anak-krakatoa-continues-to-threaten/10669528
2018: ABC Radio Australia on the impacts of volcanic ash in Ambae, Vanuatu (Pre-recorded interview 6 August)
2018: ABC Radio ‘Overnights’ Program (Live 1 hour interview, 8 June): http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/overnights/overnights/9826850
2018: ABC Radio RN Drive (Prerecorded interview, 4 June) http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/volcano-erupts-in-guatemala/9833454
2018: ABC Radio ‘Nightlife’ (Live 1 hour interview, 22 February)
2017: ABC Radio Kimberley (Live interview, 27 November)
2017: ABC Far North Queensland (Live interview, 25 September)
2017: 6PR Perth (Live interview, 25 September) https://www.6pr.com.au/podcast/heather-handley-perth-live/
2017: 3AW Radio Melbourne (Live interview, 26 September)
2017: 2SER (Live interview, 26 September) http://2ser.com/bali-volcano-alert/
2017: ABC Perth (Prerecorded interview, 26 September)
2017: ABC Podcast for ‘Tell me Straight’ (26 September) http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/tell-me-straight/how-do-volcanoes-work/8989002
2017: 3AW Drive (Live interview, 26 September)
2017: ABC Radio Melbourne (Live interview, 28 September)
2017: FIVEaa in Adelaide (Live interview, 29 September)
2017: ABC Adelaide (Live interview, 2 October)
2017: Lab Rats on 90.7FM (Prerecorded interview, 29 January)
Media releases
2021: Australia Post media release: https://newsroom.auspost.com.au/article/australia-s-volcanic-history-on-display-with-new-stamp-issue-from-australia-post (13 July)
2017: Contributed to ‘Expert Reaction’ media release. Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC SciMex, 27 Nov): https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/expert-reaction-mt-agung-continues-to-erupt
2017: Contributed to ‘Expert Reaction’ media release. Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC SciMex, 25 Sept): https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/expert-reaction-likely-eruption-of-balis-mount-agung
Written articles
Handley, H., Horner, J. (2023). ‘Like blood, then turned into darkness’: how medieval manuscripts link lunar eclipses, volcanoes and climate change. https://theconversation.com/like-blood-then-turned-into-darkness-how-medieval-manuscripts-link-lunar-eclipses-volcanoes-and-climate-change-203185
Handley, H. (2022). A volcano is erupting again in Iceland. Is climate change causing more eruptions?. https://theconversation.com/a-volcano-is-erupting-again-in-iceland-is-climate-change-causing-more-eruptions-187858
Handley, H. (2021). Photos from the field: the stunning crystals revealing deep secrets about Australian volcanoes. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/photos-from-the-field-the-stunning-crystals-revealing-deep-secrets-about-australian-volcanoes-161176
Handley, H. (2021). Australia’s volcanoes in the spotlight. Geological Society of Australia, The Australian Geologist (TAG) magazine, 200, September 2021 Edition.
Handley, H. (2020). The Women in Earth and Environmental Sciences Australasia (WOMEESA) Network. Geological Society of Australia, The Australian Geologist (TAG) magazine, March 2020 Edition.
Handley, H., Magill, C. (2019). How Qantas and other airlines decide whether to fly near volcanoes. The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/how-qantas-and-other-airlines-decide-whether-to-fly-near-volcanoes-117899 (7,304 reads at 27/01/2020)
Handley, H.K., van Otterloo, J., Cas, R. (2018). Would an eruption in Melbourne really match Hawaii’s volcanoes: here’s the evidence. The Conversation https://theconversation.com/would-an-eruption-in-melbourne-really-match-hawaiis-volcanoes-heres-the-evidence-101675 (55,943 reads at 27/01/2020)
Handley, H.K. (2018). From Kilauea to Fuego: three things you should know about volcano risk. The Conversation http://theconversation.com/from-kilauea-to-fuego-three-things-you-should-know-about-volcano-risk-97775 (14,069 reads at 27/01/2020)
Handley, H.K. (2018). Five active volcanoes on my Asia Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ watch-list right now. The Conversation https://theconversation.com/five-active-volcanoes-on-my-asia-pacific-ring-of-fire-watch-list-right-now-90618 (47,402 reads at 27/01/2020)
Handley, H.K. (2018). Curious Kids: Why do volcanoes erupt? The Conversation https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-do-volcanoes-erupt-98251 (36,840 reads at 27/01/2020)
Handley, H.K. (2017). Mount Agung continues to rumble with warnings the volcano could still erupt. The Conversation: http://theconversation.com/mount-agung-continues-to-rumble-with-warnings-the-volcano-could-still-erupt-85825 (28,792 reads at 27/01/2020)
Handley, H.K. (2017). Gunung Agung terus bergemuruh dan masih mungkin akan melatus The Conversation (Indonesian) http://theconversation.com/gunung-agung-terus-bergemuruh-dan-masih-mungkin-akan-meletus-85985 (750 reads at 27/01/2020)
Handley, H.K. (2016). Want to inspire kids to learn STEM? Get them to build a robot. The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/want-to-inspire-kids-to-learn-stem-get-them-to-build-a-robot-56418 (8,063 reads at 27/01/2020)
Handley, H.K. (2013). Ticking Bombs: The Triggering of Explosive Volcanic Eruptions. Journal of the Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales, Science Education News 62, 242-247.
Interviews featured in written articles
2024: U-Today: https://www.utoday.nl/science/73755/volcanic-eruption-in-iceland-a-constant-worry
2023: ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-11/volcanoes-on-tablelands-2024: queensland-when-could-they-erupt/101952536
2022: Canberra Times: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7864152/iceland-volcanic-eruption-a-reminder-of-australias-explosive-past/
2022: ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-16/tonga-volcanic-eruption-largest-recorded/101069416
2022: Cosmos: https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/earth-sciences/nbt-volcanic-eruption/
2022: IF Magazine: https://if.com.au/unesco-backed-film-festival-aims-to-make-geoscience-accessible/
2022: UK Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/tonga-volcano-experts-warn-long-term-health-impacts/
2022: ABC Weather: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-21/how-has-the-tonga-volcano-affected-the-weather-/100532346
2022: SBS World News: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/what-caused-the-volcanic-blast-near-tonga-and-what-might-happen-next/f31aba46-31e8-4b44-9b95-472d703bd376
2022: ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-17/tonga-volcano-eruption-hunga-tonga-hunga-ha-apai-tsunami-/100761966
2022: Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/tongan-blast-was-violent-and-vast-but-may-not-disrupt-global-warming-20220117-p59ox7.html
2022: Daily Mail Australia: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10415991/How-Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Haapai-volcanic-eruption-highlights-risk-Australia-faces.html
2022: ABC Science: https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2022-01-18/tonga-volcano-tsunami-hunga-eruption-why-so-big/100761750
2022: The Australian: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/bordering-the-extremely-volcanic-ring-of-fire-australia-may-be-at-risk-from-future-tsunamis/news-story/b3f427dfc43bec9a44acbd481037d7db
2021: Reuters News: interview for article on the Mt Semeru volcanic eruption.
2021: The Financial Review: https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/scientists-abandon-profession-as-morale-job-security-sink-survey-20211008-p58yei
2021: Australia Post: https://australiapostcollectables.com.au/articles/exploring-australias-volcanic-past
2021: Australian Geographic: https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2021/07/australia-post-release-australias-volcanic-past-stamps/
2021: ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-22/scientists-examine-volcanic-rock-in-mount-gambier/100020412
2020: AGU GeoSpace: https://blogs.agu.org/geospace/2019/12/19/survey-reveals-low-awareness-of-volcanic-hazards-in-australia/
2019: ABC News: https://amp.abc.net.au/article/11789282
2019: The Lighthouse: https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/august-2019/when-will-australias-volcanoes-erupt
2019: The Boarder Watch: https://borderwatch.com.au/researcher-examines-low-probability-high-risk-eruption-potential/
2019: Grapeshot Macquarie University student magazine: https://grapeshotmq.com.au/2019/10/news-the-frontline/
2018: Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/new-images-of-indonesian-volcano-eruption-emerge-20181224-p50o3w.html
2017: The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/heres-how-to-keep-up-with-the-latest-on-mt-agung-the-bali-volcano-88158
2017: Science Magazine: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/11/scientists-watching-volcanic-eruption-bali-minute-minute
2017: The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/bali-mount-agung-volcano-indonesia-island-eruption-explosion-latest-a8089216.html
2017: Email interview The Associated Press, Jakarta, Indonesia
https://apnews.com/47f41436d1e64bafb6d72efb9253a134
2017: Phone interview for News.com
Plus over 60 online news articles that quoted my comments on erupting volcanoes.
Tweets
Contact Details
Visiting Address
University of Twente
Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation
Langezijds
(building no. 19), room 1433
Hallenweg 8
7522NH Enschede
The Netherlands
Mailing Address
University of Twente
Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation
Langezijds
1433
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
The Netherlands