Edward Howel Francis (31 May 1924 – 22 May 2014) was a British geologist and Emeritus Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Leeds.
He was called up for military service after two years, commissioned in the Cheshire Regiment and served in the Mediterranean.
He joined the Institute of Geological Sciences (now the British Geological Survey) where he rose through the ranks from field geologist in Scotland to Assistant Director for Northern England and Wales, based in Leeds.
In 1977 Francis was appointed Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Leeds.
He retired from his chair with the title Emeritus Professor in 1989 and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of University College, Swansea in the same year.