Arkadiusz (Arek) Derkowski

Home > Arkadiusz (Arek) Derkowski

Scientific interests


Clay minerals chemistry, structure, and thermal transformations; physicochemical properties of mineral surfaces; black shales; mineralogical applications in oil and gas exploration; geomaterials; K-Ar and Ar-Ar isotope dating.


Education and degrees


  • June, 2013 D.Sc. / Habilitation in Earth sciences; Polish Academy of Sciences
  • Sept., 2003 Ph.D. in Earth sciences; Jagiellonian University of Krakow (Poland)
  • June, 1999 M.Sc. in geological sciences; Jagiellonian University of Krakow (Poland)


Work experience


  • Since 1/2020 Inst. of Geological Sci., Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow (Poland); Head of the Research Centre in Krakow
  • Since 11/2019 CoreSpec Alliance LLC, Kingwood, TX (USA), scientific consultant (remotely)
  • 10/2019 – 12/2019 Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Univ. of Tokyo (Japan); Visiting Professor
  • 3/2016 – 12/2019 Inst. of Geological Sci., Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow (Poland); Deputy Director for Research
  • 1/2012 – 3/2016 Inst. of Geological Sci., Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow (Poland); associate professor, head of the Clay Minerals Laboratory (since 7/2013)
  • 3/2010 – 3/2012 Chevron ETC, Houston Geo-Technical Center (USA); scientific consultant (on site / full-time, 2009 and 2012-2015 remotely / part-time)
  • 6/2009 – 2/2010 University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB (Canada); postdoctoral researcher
  • 10/2008 – 3/2009 Baker Hughes Co., Calgary, AB (Canada); senior mineralogist
  • 1/2008 – 10/2008 Chevron ETC, Houston Geo-Technical Center (USA); postdoctoral researcher
  • 3/2006 – 12/2007 University of California, Riverside, CA (USA); postdoctoral researcher
  • 1/2004 – 3/2006 Inst. of Geological Sci., Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow (Poland); researcher
  • 10/1999 – 9/2003 Inst. of Geological Sci., Jagiellonian University of Krakow (Poland); PhD student


Extramural long-term funding projects


  • The mechanism and kinetics of rehydroxylation in calcined clay minerals as a key to a new method of archaeological dating (RHX-Clay). Funded by The National Science Centre. 789k PLN (~ 188k EUR). Since 2018. PI
  • “Sweet Spots”. Mineral and organic matter properties in application to gas- and oil-shales. Funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. 670k PLN (~ 150k EUR). 2015-2016. PI.
  • Targeting Shale Gas with Advanced Mineralogy and Geochemistry (SGMG). Funded by Chevron ETC, Houston, TX, USA. 380k USD. 2012-2016. PI.



We work closely with you and carry out research to understand your needs and wishes.