Prof. Dr H. Visscher

Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University
Position: Emeritus professor (since 2002)

During a geological field work in Spain, I became interested in the problems of Permian and Triassic stratigraphical correlation in Europe. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Wilhelm Klaus (Vienna), pioneer in Permo-Triassic palynology, encouraged me to investigate the stratigraphical potential of Permo-Triassic palynomorphs. Following research in the Triassic of The Netherlands, Professor Frits Jonker, who had just founded the Laboratory of Palaeobotany and Palynology in Utrecht, offered me the opportunity to initiate a Permo-Triassic research programme at his institute. I finished my study in structural geology and started a project which led to the presentation of a doctoral dissertation in 1971, entitled The Permian and Triassic of the Kingscourt Outlier, Ireland : a palynological investigation related to regional stratigraphical problems in the Permian and Triassic of western Europe (Geol. Surv. Ireland Spec. Paper,1). A decade later, upon the retirement of Professor Jonker, an appointment followed to fill the chair of Palaeobotany and Palynology at Utrecht University. I  became responsible for, and personally engaged in, the development of the palaeoecological research programme of the Laboratory. Among the variety of activities in national and international scientific organizations is the 1988-1992 presidency of the International Federation of Palynological Societies (IFPS).

I formally retired in 2002, but as an emeritus I hope to stay involved in various palaeoecological research activities of the Laboratory, until the moment of becoming totally superfluous.