Professor Christian Dunn is a wetland scientist and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Sustainability at Bangor University. He has pioneered research on nature-based solutions, particularly focusing on wetlands for water management, pollution control, and carbon sequestration. His work has gained international recognition, especially in areas such as microplastic pollution, water pollution, and peatland restoration.

Professor Dunn is the Associate Director of the Bangor Wetlands Group, and Director of Marketing and Recruitment for the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, and the College of Science and Engineering.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Professor Dunn is a passionate communicator and advocate for environmental sustainability. He regularly engages with the public and media through TV, radio, and print, contributing to outlets such as the BBC and national newspapers. In 2024 Prof. Dunn made his first full-length documentary for the BBC, reenacting a WWII commando operation to take soil samples from the D-Day landing beaches.

A sought-after public speaker, he has delivered three TEDx talks and is an award-winning environmental campaigner.

In 2024 Prof. Dunn was named one of the top 100 UK environmental professionals making the greatest impact in the past two years, and he serves as chair of the British Ecological Society’s Welsh Policy Group.

• Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Sustainability 

• Director of Marketing and Recruitment (SENS)

• Director of Marketing and Recruitment (CoSE)

• c.dunn@bangor.ac.uk

• 4th Floor Brambell Building

• +44 (0) 1248 382098

• linktr.ee/profchristiandunn

In 2013 I established the Wetland Science and Conservation MSc – the only one of its kind in the UK. I now lecture on a variety of undergraduate modules, covering a wide range of topics from climate change science and statistical analysis to plant identification and writing for the press. I am the course director for Zoology with Climate Change Studies and module organiser of Life in Wetlands, and Science Communication Skills.

Every year I supervise around 15 undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD student projects.

I conduct research across a wide range of wetland science topics with a particular interest in wetland biogeochemical cycles, especially in-terms of how these can affect ecosystems, the wider environment and climate; wetland management and conservation practises, wetlands and climate change, and Constructed Treatment Wetlands (CTWs).

Another area of my research is plastic and microplastic pollution, with a particular emphasis on microplastics in inland water systems and the use of wetlands to remove them.

2025

• CyhoeddwydA Newly Discovered Symbiotic Relationship Between Giant Cowbirds (Molothrus oryzivorus) and South American Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in Suriname
  Backshall, S., Dunn, C. & Mainwaring, M. C., 19 Ion 2025, Yn: Austral Ecology. 50, 1, e70020.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydEvaluating microplastic trapping efficiency in seagrass meadows using hydraulic flume simulations
  Cousins, A., Dunn, C., Aberg, D., Williams, M., Smyth, A., Green, M. & Kurr, M., 1 Ebr 2025, Yn: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 213, 117660.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2024

• CyhoeddwydD-day’s secret weapon: how wetland science stopped the Normandy landings from getting bogged down
  Dunn, C., 5 Meh 2024, The Conversation.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyhoeddiad arbenigol › Erthygl

2023

• CyhoeddwydEarth has lost one-fifth of its wetlands since 1700 – but most could still be saved
  Dunn, C., 9 Chwef 2023, The Conversation.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyhoeddiad arbenigol › Erthygl

2022

• CyhoeddwydBritain’s first wetland ‘super reserve’ offers boost to nature-based solutions to climate change
  Dunn, C., 7 Meh 2022, The Conversation.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyhoeddiad arbenigol › Erthygl
• CyhoeddwydElucidating the surface macroplastic load, types and distribution in mangrove areas around Cebu Island, Philippines and its policy implications
  Paler, M. K. O., Tabanag, I. D. F., Siacor, F. D. C., Geraldino, P. J. L., Walton, M., Dunn, C., Skov, M., Hiddink, J. G. & Taboada, E. B., 10 Medi 2022, Yn: Science of the Total Environment. 838, 3, 156408.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydThe environmental release and ecosystem risks of illicit drugs during Glastonbury Festival.
  Aberg, D., Chaplin, D., Freeman, C., Paizs, B. & Dunn, C., 1 Maw 2022, Yn: Environmental Research. 204, Part B, 112061.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2021

• CyhoeddwydNature-based solutions for climate change in the UK - Peatlands
  Dunn, C., Burden, A., Chamberlain, B., Danek, S., Evans, C., Freeman, C., Harvey, R., Proctor, S. & Walker, J., 12 Mai 2021, Nature-based solutions for climate change in the UK. British Ecological Society
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydWater table fluctuation in peatlands facilitates fungal proliferation, impedes Sphagnum growth and accelerates decomposition
  Kim, J., Rochefort, L., Hugron, S., Alqulaiti, Z., Dunn, C., Pouliot, R., Jones, T., Freeman, C. & Kang, H., 22 Ebr 2021, Yn: Frontiers Earth Science. 8, 579329.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2020

• CyhoeddwydAn affordable methodology for quantifying waterborne microplastics - an emerging contaminant in inland-waters
  Dunn, C., Owens, J., Fears, L., Nunnerley, L., Kirby, J., Armstrong, O., Thomas, P. J., Aberg, D., Gilder, W., Green, D., Antwis, R. & Freeman, C., Chwef 2020, Yn: Journal of Limnology. 79, 1, t. 92-95 4 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydA Potential Approach for Enhancing Carbon Sequestration During Peatland Restoration Using Low-Cost, Phenolic-Rich Biomass Supplements
  Alshehri, A., Dunn, C., Freeman, C., Hugron, S., Jones, T. & Rochefort, L., 12 Mai 2020, Yn: Frontiers in Environmental Science. 8
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2019

• CyhoeddwydPeatland Catchments and Natural Flood Management
  Allott, T., Auñón, J., Dunn, C., Evans, M., Labadz, J., Lunt, P., MacDonald, M., Nisbet, T., Owen, R., Pilkington, M., Proctor, S., Shuttleworth, E. & Walker, J., 2 Rhag 2019, IUCN UK Peatland Programme. 43 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Llyfr/Adroddiad › Adroddiad Comisiwn › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2018

• CyhoeddwydDecomposition as a regulator of carbon accretion in mangroves: a review
  Friesen, S., Dunn, C. & Freeman, C., Ebr 2018, Yn: Ecological Engineering. 114, t. 173-178
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydInvestigating whether light intensity can modify decomposition rates in peatlands through control of the ‘enzymic latch’
  Dunn, C., Zielinski, P., Kent, M. & Freeman, C., 15 Ebr 2018, Yn: Ecological Engineering. 114, t. 167-172
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydMangrove forests can rebound thanks to climate change – it’s an opportunity we must take
  Dunn, C., 20 Tach 2018, The Conversation.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyhoeddiad arbenigol › Erthygl
• CyhoeddwydThe role of molecular weight in the enzyme-inhibiting effect of phenolics: the significance in peatland carbon sequestration
  Dunn, C. & Freeman, C., 15 Ebr 2018, Yn: Ecological Engineering. 114, t. 162-166
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2016

• CyhoeddwydConstructed wetlands may lower inorganic nutrient inputs but enhance DOC loadings into a drinking water reservoir in North Wales
  Scholz, C., Dunn, C., Jones, T., West, M., Ehbair, A. & Freeman, C., Medi 2016, Yn: Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 23, 18, t. 18192-18199
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydIs peat accumulation in mangrove swamps influenced by the “enzymic latch” mechanism?
  Dunn, C., Mitsch, W., Freeman, C. & Saraswati, S., 15 Rhag 2016, Yn: Wetlands Ecology and Management. 24, 6, t. 641-650
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydOptions for Geoengineering the Climate via Microorganisms: A Peatland Case Study
  Dunn, C., Fenner, N., Shirsat, A. & Freeman, C., Maw 2016, Climate Change and Microbial Ecology: Current Research and Future Trends. Caister Academic Press, t. 185-200
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod
• CyhoeddwydPlant Species Effects on the Carbon Storage Capabilities of a Blanket bog Complex
  Dunn, C., Jones, T., Roberts, S. & Freeman, C., 1 Chwef 2016, Yn: Wetlands. 36, 1, t. 47-58
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydSmall changes in water levels and groundwater nutrients alter nitrogen and carbon processing in dune slack soils
  Rhymes, J., Jones, L., Wallace, H., Jones, T. G., Dunn, C. & Fenner, N., Awst 2016, Yn: Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 99, t. 28-35
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2014

• CyhoeddwydMethodologies for Extracellular Enzyme Assays from Wetland Soils
  Dunn, C., Jones, T. G., Girard, A. & Freeman, C., 1 Chwef 2014, Yn: Wetlands. 34, 1, t. 9-17
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2013

• CyhoeddwydQuantifying dissolved organic carbon concentrations in upland catchments using phenolic proxy measurements
  Peacock, M., Burden, A., Cooper, M., Dunn, C., Evans, C. D., Fenner, N., Freeman, C. G., Gough, R. S., Hughes, D., Hughes, S., Jones, T., Lebron, I., West, M. & Zieliński, P., 16 Ion 2013, Yn: Journal of Hydrology. 477, t. 251-260
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2011

• CyhoeddwydPeatlands: our greatest source of carbon credits?
  Dunn, C. & Freeman, C., 2011, Yn: Carbon Management. 2, 3, t. 289-301
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2021

• Edinburgh Science Festival 2021

  26 Meh 2021 – 11 Gorff 2021

  Cysylltau:

  • https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/events/edinburgh-science-festival-2021/future-green-spaces/
  • https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/learning-and-resources/engaging-the-public/events/love-our-bogs/
  • http://www.holly-draws.com/blog/2021/7/23/exhibition-with-the-bes-and-edinburgh-science-festival
  • https://www.bangor.ac.uk/news/love-our-bogs-bangor-university-scientist-helps-create-artwork-for-edinburgh-science-festival
  Gweithgaredd: Mathau o waith ymgysylltu â'r cyhoedd a gwaith maes - Gŵyl/Arddangosfa (Cyfrannwr)

2020

• #EarthLiveLessons

  Earth LIVE Lesson with Dr Christian Dunn : Why wetlands are nature’s superheroes!

  Organised by Lizzie Daly Wildlife TV.

  5 Ebr 2020

  Cysylltau:

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZerSvkvpKQ&t=62s
  Gweithgaredd: Mathau o waith ymgysylltu â'r cyhoedd a gwaith maes - Darlith/trafodaeth/seminar gyhoeddus (Cyfrannwr)

2019

• TEDx talk: How we can stop microplastic pollution

  10 Hyd 2019

  Cysylltau:

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6QSVs4CkuU&t=5s
  Gweithgaredd: Mathau o waith ymgysylltu â'r cyhoedd a gwaith maes - Darlith/trafodaeth/seminar gyhoeddus (Cyfrannwr)

2018

• Bascamp 2018

  Main Marquee - How to get a city to give up plastic

  1 Meh 2018

  Gweithgaredd: Mathau o waith ymgysylltu â'r cyhoedd a gwaith maes - Gŵyl/Arddangosfa (Cyfrannwr)

• Saltmarsh denitrification: sampling 2024-25 - 9070 - 9488

  01/07/2024 – 31/08/2025 (Wrthi'n gweithredu)

• Saltmarsh denitrification: sampling 2024-25 - 9070 - 9488

  01/07/2024 – 31/08/2025 (Wrthi'n gweithredu)

• Saltmarsh denitrification: sampling 2024-25 - 9070 - 9488

  01/07/2024 – 31/08/2025 (Wrthi'n gweithredu)

• Carbon Flux Monitoring on restored wetlands in the Thames Valley (River of Life)

  15/01/2024 – 30/06/2024 (Wedi gorffen)

• Saltmarsh Denitrification Rate Methods

  18/08/2023 – 30/06/2024 (Wedi gorffen)

• Mitigation of peat extraction impacts by a new peat harvesting method protecting the peatland stored solid carbon

  01/06/2023 – 31/12/2199 (Wrthi'n gweithredu)

• GHG Research

  01/02/2022 – 01/08/2022 (Wedi gorffen)

• Lucozade and Litter: How can we prevent single-use plastic pollution

  31/01/2022 – 01/08/2022 (Wedi gorffen)

• Substrate analysis of Countess of Chester Country Park area

  01/11/2021 – 31/07/2023 (Wedi gorffen)

• Creation of a potential Wetland Carbon Code

  01/06/2021 – 01/08/2022 (Wedi gorffen)

• KESS II PhD with Celw Ltd - BUK208

  01/11/2015 – 31/03/2024 (Wedi gorffen)

• Large-scale application of the enzymic latch in peatland restoration in Canada

  01/05/2015 – 09/08/2024 (Wedi gorffen)

• Development of system for separating DOC components from wetland water samples

  01/03/2015 – 01/08/2022 (Wedi gorffen)

A former journalist and editor I write for a number of national publications, including the BBC Wildlife Magazine. I regularly appear on local and national radio and television programmes to discuss environmental issues.

During COP26 I was the daily environmetnal commentator for GB News.

I am an award-winning environmental campaigner and public speaker and have given three TEDx talks:

1. The Accidental Eco-Warrior 
2. How We Can Stop Microplastic Pollution
3. Wetlands: the superheroes of the natural world