Jonathan Procter is a Professor of Natural Hazards that has taught natural hazard science, emergency management and hazard analysis at Massey University.  He has contributed to developing and leading national and international research that focuses on volcanic hazard, hazard detection and simulation, and working with communities to increase resilience to natural and environmental hazards. Professor Procter’s areas of specialisation span traditional geology and computer simulations of volcanic mass flows through to developing new solutions for communities to build resilience in the face of volcanic hazards.

Professor Procter manages the Volcanic Risk Solutions (VRS) research group.  Nationally he has developed new research directions in volcanology, defining volcano hazards research in NZ, and this is recognised as being the leader of the Resilience to Natures Challenges; National Science Challenge Volcano programme. As part of managing the Volcanic Risks Solutions group he has led the Massey University’s science response to a number of volcanic-related events and responded to stakeholders’ requests in regards to natural hazards analysis.

This activity has led to a large number of research outputs, increased research funding, greater stakeholder engagement that strengthens and grows relationships and recognition of Massey University as an international leader in responding to volcanic hazards.  As a leader in volcanology, he is regularly invited to participate in international workshops/conferences, peer-review international research applications and journal articles and importantly active in scientific outreach at a national level. Professor Procter has published over 70 scientific articles with over 1625 citations.

Being one of only a handful of Māori scientists as a Professor, there is an obligation to contribute to Māori development. His greatest contribution in this respect has been the development of new area of research on mātauranga Māori, volcanic hazards and building resilience in Māori communities. Through this, he has also secured funding for, and supervised a number of, Māori postgraduate and PhD students.  As a Māori academic it is also important to contribute to iwi and rangatiratanga. He has done this through Treaty of Waitangi hearings, governance boards, and environmental restoration projects, including gaining funding for Māori initiatives. Professor Procter represents his hapu Ngati Pariri in a range of matters, and regularly supports a number of iwi to find solutions to issues facing them in from environmental management through to emergency management as well as providing GIS and planning initiatives.