About 

Welcome to the Mechanical and Geological Model Analogues Laboratory (MAGMA Lab) at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool. The MAGMA Lab was founded in 2014 by Janine Kavanagh and has since grown to be the leading volcanology laboratory for laser imaging in the world. The lab is currently funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and has benefitted from funding from the Royal Society. Check out our Members page to learn about our current members and alumni.

Our research also has an impact in volcanology, where we are working with volcano observatories to take our findings from the laboratory and fieldwork and develop them so they help to improve the interpretation of volcano monitoring data. These important collaborations mean that our work is helping to save lives and reduce the destructive potential of volcanic eruptions, providing better constraints on where and when an eruption might occur and for how long an eruption might last. 

Our approach has led to paradigm-changing work that has challenged traditional theory and developed new conceptual models upon which volcanological data is interpreted. We are keen to branch out into new fields and are starting new projects applying our novel experimental methodologies to tackle questions in geothermal energy and glaciology.

Our research in equality, diversity and inclusion in volcanology is raising awareness and helping to develop policy change in the leading volcanology and geoscience organisations in a collective effort to break down barriers to engagement in geosciences. Our outreach and public engagement efforts are helping to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers of engagement in volcanology, and geoscience more broadly, and help to make our science more diverse and more inclusive.