Mike's research interests cover pure and applied seismology, with connections to mineral physics, geodynamics and engineering. Current research concentrates on the nature of the core-mantle boundary, continental cratons, continental rifting, mid-ocean ridges, and subduction zones. He has led seismic field experiments in a range of geologic settings.

Techniques developed to study wave propagation in the deep Earth have also been applied to his research in exploration seismology. His interests lie in microseismicity and passive seismic monitoring, rock-fracture characterization, and linked geophysics, geomechanics and fluid-flow modelling. He has managed a number of large industry-funded consortia. 

Mike is now Professor of Geophysics at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford.