Overview
Background
New PhD scholarship in 2025: I have an open PhD position in my group with collaboration opportunities with government and industry partners (Check out this scholarship with this link).
For international applicants: Please get in touch with me with a copy of your CV to discuss potential projects and application timelines for scholarships.
I am a Senior Lecturer in Geochronology and Tectonics. I am also an Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellow working on using geochronology (and thermochronology) and micro-analysis to improve knowledge in geoscience related to critical minerals. This Fellowship project is a key activity in my research group and I am always looking for motivated students and ECRs to join this research. It is sponsored by Queensland State Government and in collaboration with leading companies in the critical minerals industry.
Here's my recent seminar on some of the work in my group: https://youtu.be/twNcLECCqPg?si=501qcfSA2mJdHxUh
Broadly speaking, my research advances fundamentals of Plate Tectonics, the unique and unifying theory for our home planet. My group uses a set of field, laboratory, and computational approaches to reveal the geologic history of modern and ancient plate boundaries, focusing on reconstructing the evolution of plate-margin mountains and basins. Such regions are among the most dynamic in the Earth system: their development alters regional and global climate, impacts biogeographic evolution, triggers earthquakes and other geologic hazards, and determines formation and distribution of natural resources such as critical minerals. I have been fortunate to work in some of the most rewarding areas for geologists, including the Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau, Central Andes, eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands. Check out some of my field photos here. I am the lead of UQ Thermochronology Lab. As an in-depth user of UQ RIF (Radiogenic Isotope Facility), I also work with laser ablation ICP-MS with recent work around laser ablation geochronology and geochemistry.
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Editorial activities: I am a Subject Editor for Journal of the Geological Society and a member of the Editorial Board for Results in Earth Sciences. I am the lead Editor for issue 'Geochronology and Critical Minerals Systems' at Ore Geology Reviews. More information could be found here.
Teaching activities: My teaching duties range from delivering introductory courses, upper-year disciplinary courses, to research training courses. Here's a YouTube video of one of my courses: https://youtu.be/31TV3wUOv1Q
Availability
- Dr Renjie Zhou is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering, Jilin University
- Masters (Research) of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toronto
Works
Search Professor Renjie Zhou’s works on UQ eSpace
2022
Conference Publication
The AusGeochem Platform for Geochemistry Data: vision, action, and progress
Zhou, Renjie, Armistead, Sheree, Boone, Samuel, Dalton, Hayden, Gleadow, Andrew, Gréau, Yoann, Hodgekiss, Sally-Ann, Kohlmann, Fabian, Kohn, Barry, McInnes, Brent, Nixon, Angus, Noble, Wayne, O’Reilly, Suzanne, Philips, David, Prent, Alexander, Rawling, Tim, Theile, Moritz and Ware, Bryant (2022). The AusGeochem Platform for Geochemistry Data: vision, action, and progress. 2022 eResearch Australasia Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 17-20 October 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Solid-phase transfer into the forearc mantle wedge: rutile and zircon xenocrysts fingerprint subducting sources
Aitchison, Jonathan C., Cluzel, Dominique, Ireland, Trevor R., Zhou, Renjie, Lian, Dongyang, Patias, Daniel, Yan, Zhen and Yang, Jingsui (2022). Solid-phase transfer into the forearc mantle wedge: rutile and zircon xenocrysts fingerprint subducting sources. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 577 117251, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2021.117251
2022
Conference Publication
Ophiolitic biodiamonds – some of subduction’s little gems
Aitchison, Jonathan C., Cluzel, Dominique, Ireland, Trevor R., Patias, Daniel and Zhou, Renjie (2022). Ophiolitic biodiamonds – some of subduction’s little gems. AGU (American Geophysical Union) Fall Meeting 2022, Chicago, IL, United States, 12-16 December 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Cenozoic tectonic evolution of regional fault systems in the SE Tibetan Plateau
Wang, Yang, Wang, Yuejun, Zhang, Peizhen, Zhang, Jinjiang, Zhang, Bo, Liu-Zeng, Jing, Zhou, Renjie, Wang, Weitao, Zhang, Huiping and Li, Zhangjun (2022). Cenozoic tectonic evolution of regional fault systems in the SE Tibetan Plateau. Science China Earth Sciences, 65 (4), 601-623. doi: 10.1007/s11430-021-9880-3
2021
Journal Article
Tracing fluid evolution in sedimentary basins with calcite geochemical, isotopic and U-Pb geochronological data: Implications for petroleum and mineral resource accumulation in the Nanpanjiang Basin, South China
Ge, Xiang, Shen, Chuanbo, Zhou, Renjie, He, Peng, Zhao, Jianxin and Feng, Yuexing (2021). Tracing fluid evolution in sedimentary basins with calcite geochemical, isotopic and U-Pb geochronological data: Implications for petroleum and mineral resource accumulation in the Nanpanjiang Basin, South China. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 134 (7-8), 2097-2114. doi: 10.1130/b36168.1
2021
Journal Article
Tectonic evolution and controls on natural gas generation and accumulation in the Ordovician system of the Ordos Basin, North China
Yang, Peng, Ren, Zhanli, Zhou, Renjie, Cui, Junping, Qi, Kai, Fu, Jinhua, Li, Jinbu, Liu, Xinshe, Li, Wenhou and Wang, Kun (2021). Tectonic evolution and controls on natural gas generation and accumulation in the Ordovician system of the Ordos Basin, North China. Energy Reports, 7, 6887-6898. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2021.10.066
2021
Journal Article
Topographic growth of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the middle‐late Miocene: insights from integrated provenance analysis in the NE Qaidam Basin
Li, Chaopeng, Zheng, Dewen, Zhou, Renjie, Wang, Weitao, Yu, Jingxing, Liu, Caicai, Wang, Yizhou, Pang, Jianzhang, Ma, Yan, Hao, Yuqi, Li, Youjuan and Wang, Xueye (2021). Topographic growth of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the middle‐late Miocene: insights from integrated provenance analysis in the NE Qaidam Basin. Basin Research, 33 (6) bre.12600, 3212-3230. doi: 10.1111/bre.12600
2021
Journal Article
Organic matter-driven electrical resistivity of immature lacustrine oil-prone shales
Jia, Jianliang, Zhou, Renjie, Liu, Zhaojun, Han, Xuehui and Gao, Yuan (2021). Organic matter-driven electrical resistivity of immature lacustrine oil-prone shales. Geophysics, 86 (4), 1-14. doi: 10.1190/geo2020-0238.1
2021
Journal Article
Paleogene magmatic flex and flux in the Ladakh Arc, NW Himalaya: chronostratigraphy of the Khardung Formation
Saktura, Wanchese M., Buckman, Solomon, Aitchison, Jonathan C. and Zhou, Renjie (2021). Paleogene magmatic flex and flux in the Ladakh Arc, NW Himalaya: chronostratigraphy of the Khardung Formation. Lithos, 388-389 106053, 1-25. doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2021.106053
2021
Journal Article
Calcite in situ U-Pb dating and its application in oil and gas exploration of marine carbonate strata
Yang, Peng, Zhao, J. X., Nuriel, Perach, Uysal, I. Tonguç, Nguyen, Ai Duc, Zhou, Renjie, Feng, Yue-Xing, Wu, Guanghui, Ren, Zhanli and Xia, Bin (2021). Calcite in situ U-Pb dating and its application in oil and gas exploration of marine carbonate strata . Geological Review, 67, 254-256. doi: 10.16509/j.georeview.2021.s1.112
2021
Journal Article
Late Oligocene tectonic uplift of the East Kunlun Shan: expansion of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Li, Chaopeng, Zheng, Dewen, Zhou, Renjie, Yu, Jingxing, Wang, Yizhou, Pang, Jianzhang, Wang, Ying, Hao, Yuqi and Li, Youjuan (2021). Late Oligocene tectonic uplift of the East Kunlun Shan: expansion of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Geophysical Research Letters, 48 (3) e2020GL091281. doi: 10.1029/2020gl091281
2021
Conference Publication
AusGeochem and the Future of Big Data in Low-Temperature Thermochronology
Boone, Samuel C., Kohlmann, Fabian, Theile, Moritz, Noble, Wayne, Kohn, Barry, Glorie, Stijn, Danišík, Martin and Zhou, Renjie (2021). AusGeochem and the Future of Big Data in Low-Temperature Thermochronology. Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2021, Hobart, TAS Australia, 9-12 February 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Exhumation of the Indus-Yarlung Tsangpo Suture Zone (NW India): New constraints from low-temperature thermochronology
Zhou, Renjie and Aitchison, Jonathan C. (2021). Exhumation of the Indus-Yarlung Tsangpo Suture Zone (NW India): New constraints from low-temperature thermochronology. Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2021, Hobart, TAS Australia, 9-12 February 2021. The Geological Society of Australia.
2021
Journal Article
The Carboniferous arc of the north Pamir
Rembe, Johannes, Sobel, Edward R., Kley, Jonas, Zhou, Renjie, Thiede, Rasmus and Chen, Jie (2021). The Carboniferous arc of the north Pamir. Lithosphere, 2021 (1) 6697858, 1-26. doi: 10.2113/2021/6697858
2021
Journal Article
The significance of Upper Jurassic felsic volcanic rocks within the incipient, intraoceanic Dras Arc, Ladakh, NW Himalaya
Walsh, Jessica M.J., Buckman, Solomon, Nutman, Allen P. and Zhou, Renjie (2021). The significance of Upper Jurassic felsic volcanic rocks within the incipient, intraoceanic Dras Arc, Ladakh, NW Himalaya. Gondwana Research, 90, 199-219. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2020.11.007
2021
Conference Publication
AusGeochem and big data analytics in low-temperature thermochronology
Boone, Samuel, Kohlmann, Fabian, Theile, Moritz, Noble, Wayne, Kohn, Barry, Glorie, Stijn, Danišík, Martin and Zhou, Renjie (2021). AusGeochem and big data analytics in low-temperature thermochronology. EGU (European Geosciences Union) General Assembly 2021, Vienna, Austria and online, 19-30 April 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the development of the Dun Mountain Ophiolite, New Zealand
Patias, Daniel, Zhou, Renjie and Aitchison, Jonathan (2021). Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the development of the Dun Mountain Ophiolite, New Zealand. AGU (American Geophysical Union) Fall Meeting 2021, New Orleans, United States, 13-17 December 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Dissimilar age and provenance of the Nindam and Jurutze volcaniclastic formations, Zanskar Gorge, Ladakh (India)
Andjic, Goran, Zhou, Renjie, Jonell, Tara N. and Aitchison, Jonathan C. (2021). Dissimilar age and provenance of the Nindam and Jurutze volcaniclastic formations, Zanskar Gorge, Ladakh (India). EGU (European Geosciences Union) General Assembly 2021, Vienna, Austria and online, 19-30 April 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Calcite U-Pb dating of Paleozoic oceanic crust in the North Pamir, Central Asia
Rembe, Johannes, Zhou, Renjie, Sobel, Edward and Kley, Jonas (2021). Calcite U-Pb dating of Paleozoic oceanic crust in the North Pamir, Central Asia. Goldschmidt Conference 2021, Virtual, 4-9 July 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Youngest magmatic age (Early Eocene) from the Neotethyan intraoceanic Dras Arc, Ladakh Himalaya, NW India
Walsh, Jessica, Buckman, Solomon, Nutman, Allen and Zhou, Renjie (2021). Youngest magmatic age (Early Eocene) from the Neotethyan intraoceanic Dras Arc, Ladakh Himalaya, NW India. AGU (American Geophysical Union) Fall Meeting 2021, New Orleans, United States, 13-17 December 2021.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Renjie Zhou is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Research Projects
I have projects available for Honours and PhD students. Please email me for details.
UQ offers a competitive scholarship package, including full tuition support, stipends, and additional opportunities for tutoring or teaching assistantship. PhD students could commence their studies at UQ in January, April, July, or October. Get in touch if you’re interested in learning more about possible projects with our team.
-
Research Projects
I have projects available for Honours, MPhil, and PhD students. Please email me for details.
UQ offers a competitive scholarship package, including full tuition support, stipends, and additional opportunities for tutoring or teaching assistantship. PhD students could commence their studies at UQ in January, April, July, or October. Get in touch if you’re interested in learning more about possible projects with our team.
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Fingerprinting critical minerals development in continental margins
This is an exciting PhD opportunity involving industry and government collaboration in Queensland. It aims to develop new workflows in supporting the discovery of critical minerals (tungsten and other related minerals) in Paleozoic (~542 to 252 Ma) magmatic units in NE Queensland. Outcomes will enhance our understanding of magmatic and hydrothermal events associated with mineral deposits in eastern Australia by undertaking research in multi-system geochronology and geochemistry. Multi-laboratory workflows for mineral system characterisation will be developed and tested. Get in touch to learn more about this position.
-
Research Projects
I have projects available for Honours, MPhil, and PhD students. Please email me for details.
UQ offers a competitive scholarship package, including full tuition support, stipends, and additional opportunities for tutoring or teaching assistantships. PhD students could commence their studies at UQ in January, April, July, or October. Get in touch if you’re interested in learning more about possible projects with our team.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Master Philosophy
Structural architecture of South DAguilar-Beenleigh Subprovinces: Implications for development of critical infrastructure in Southeast Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mojtaba Rajabi
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Master Philosophy
Structural architecture of South DAguilar-Beenleigh Subprovinces: Implications for development of critical infrastructure in Southeast Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mojtaba Rajabi
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Doctor Philosophy
Geochronological and geochemical constraints on models for convergent Gondwana margins: Variscan, Delamerian and Mossman orogens
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
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Doctor Philosophy
Continental exhumation of Northeast Queensland: Implications on the exposure and preservation of critical minerals systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jianxin Zhao
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Doctor Philosophy
Geochronological and geochemical constraints on models for convergent Gondwana margins: Delamerian, Mossman and Variscan Orogens
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
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Doctor Philosophy
Cenozoic deformation in the South Tienshan and Tarim basin: constraints from geochronologhy and low-temperature thermochronology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
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Doctor Philosophy
Advanced microCT application in radiolarian studies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding early radiolarian evolution: taxonomy, phylogeny and taphonomy through Micro-CT
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
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Doctor Philosophy
Diamonds in Ophiolites: recycling deep mantle into supra-subduction zones
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Geochronological and geochemical constraints on models for convergent Gondwana margins: Delamerian, Mossman and Variscan Orogens
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding New Zealand and New Caledonia forearc ophiolites using rare accessory minerals
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Renjie Zhou directly for media enquiries about:
- earthquake
- geological hazard
- geological resource
- geology
- mountain building
- plate tectonics
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