Rolf Birger Pedersen is a pioneer in the field of geo-bioscience , in particular studying the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge system using submersibles and underwater robotics. He is also the driving force for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at UiB, Centre for Geobiology, where professor Pedersen is director.
The Centre for Geobiology at UiB focuses research on the geo-biosphere and develops fundamental knowledge about the interaction between the geosphere and biosphere. The Centre for deep sea research will build upon the research from the Centre for Geobiology.
Professor Rolf Pedersen’s current research focuses on seafloor spreading, formation of oceanic lithosphere, hydrothermal systems and deep-sea geobiology. His expertise is in geochemistry, petrology and marine geology. Deep marine research is currently focused on ultraslow spreading ridges and explorations of the Arctic Mid Ocean Ridges. This ranges from studying volcanic crust-forming processes and the architecture of oceanic lithosphere to water-rock microbe interaction in hydrothermal systems. Explorations of the Arctic Mid Ocean Ridges to clarify the extent and diversity of hydrothermal activity is an important part of current research activity.
He was awarded the Nordic Geoscientists Award in 2016 for his many contributions both to science and for his promotion of science to the general public.