The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) was the big winner at the this week. Their Atlantic Geohazard Risk Management (AGEO) project, supported by , emerged with two awards.

The RegioStars Awards have become Europe’s label of excellence for EU-funded projects that demonstrate the impact and inclusiveness of regional development. There were five categories of awards, in addition to the overall Public Choice Award. AGEO won in the ‘A Green Europe’ category and was chosen from a five finalists, shortlisted from 266 entries. The AGEO project was also honoured with the ‘Public Choice’ award, voted on by just under 20 000 citizens from all across Europe. AGEO received around 2000 of the votes. 

The AGEO project brought together scientists, local communities and governments to address geohazards in the Atlantic region through citizen science, Earth observation and innovative risk management tools. By implementing five pilot citizens’ observatories in the Atlantic region, the project demonstrated how to empower local communities to engage in early warning systems and climate challenges, working with local stakeholders at all levels.

The Citizens’ Observatory in Northern Ireland (NI) was developed at the Giant Causeway, where GSNI Kieran Parker, senior geohazards geologist, and Dr Kirstin Lemon, science programme manager, worked closely with external partners and engaged comprehensively with a range of stakeholders.

We are pleased to have come away with two awards at the RegioStars Awards for our AGEO project which brought together a number of stakeholders to help empower local communities to participate in early warning systems.

Dr Kirstin Lemon, GSNI Science Programme Manager.

Encouraged by the European Commission, the project partners are now exploring ways to develop the next stage for AGEO, hoping to bring the experiences of the project to a wider European audience.

The University of Nottingham has appointed BGS senior isotope research geochemist, Angela Lamb, as an honorary professor. As part of her role, Angela will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching alongside facilitating collaborative research programmes between BGS and the University of Nottingham.

Angela research focuses on the application of light stable isotopes to science-based archaeology, palaeoecology and environmental tracing, specialising in sulfur isotopes. She has developed a long-standing collaborative relationship with the University of Nottingham Department of Classics and Archaeology through the jointly operated Centre for Environmental Geochemistry. The centre focuses on the collaborative use of geochemistry in research, training and teaching, investigating:

• environmental and climate change
• biogeochemical cycling, including pollution typing and provenance
• science-based archaeology
• the use of geochemical tools for research into the subsurface

I’m thrilled to have been appointed as an honorary professor at the University of Nottingham and look forward to continuing to build on the legacy of shared research we have developed through the Centre for Environmental Geochemistry. This has already resulted in significant advances in the fields of bioarchaeology, palaeoecology and environmental archaeology.

Prof Angela Lamb, senior isotope research geochemist, BGS.

We’re delighted to welcome Angela Lamb as an honorary professor in the department. We have had a long and productive relationship with Prof Lamb and very much look forward to this continuing in the future. We are particularly excited to develop our work in dietary stable isotope analyses, which help us to understand what people and other animals ate and how societies functioned in the past.

Prof Hannah O’Regan, professor of archaeology and palaeoecology, University of Nottingham.

Landslides are an ongoing global threat that can lead to significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. The paper, ‘’, describes a new geophysical method that enables a way of observing the subsurface to look for signs of underlying slope failure. Signs include moisture, suction and shear strength, which, when monitored, can provide earlier warning of hazard. The paper, led by BGS Honorary Research Associate (HRA) Arnaud Watlet with 16 co-authors — 10 of which are from BGS — has been awarded the 2024 British Geotechnical Association (BGA) medal for ‘meritorious contributions to geotechnical science or practice’.

An example of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data collected from the Hollin Hill Landslide Observatory, which generates 4D resistivity models, providing insights into subsurface structures. BGS © 51ÁÔÆæ.

The research was undertaken at BGS Hollin Hill Landslide Observatory in Yorkshire. The slope at Hollin Hill features slow-moving, clay-rich land, common to much lowland landslide activity across the world. Change was monitored at the observatory over a two-year period, focusing on the wettest parts of each season. Researchers used electrical resistivity tomography and low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing to investigate the integrity of unstable slopes at various scales. Combining resistivity and fibre optics to observe changes in ground composition allowed for better monitoring and evaluation of natural and engineered slopes.

Landslides triggered by rainfall can significantly affect communities and infrastructure. Predicting exactly where and when they’ll occur is challenging, as local factors like geology, slope orientation and ground moisture all play a role. Most landslide early warning systems mainly track slope movement or rainfall intensity but, by monitoring ground moisture, we can extend the warning period at particularly vulnerable locations.

Arnaud Watlet, BGS HRA and lead author of the paper.

We are delighted to receive the BGA award, which recognises the incredible work and strong dedication of our team to landslide prevention.

Jim Whitely, BGS HRA and co-author of the paper.

The University of Aberdeen has appointed Dr Kathryn Goodenough, BGS Head of International — Regional Geoscience, as an honorary professor. The new position will focus on critical minerals and the wider energy transition, building on her existing teaching role as part of the undergraduate course, ‘UN Sustainable Development Goals and geoscience’. 

Kathryn research focuses primarily on the critical minerals that are needed for the energy transition, such as lithium and the rare earth elements (REEs). She has led major NERC- and EU-funded research projects for BGS, including the Lithium for Future Technology (LiFT) project and the EURARE and HiTech AlkCarb projects investigating REE deposits. Kathryn currently leads BGS programme of externally commissioned international research and capacity building, delivering global collaboration across BGS science remit.

The appointment has the potential to help foster further links between BGS and the University of Aberdeen, which has several areas of complementary research, including itsÌý and the BGS-led .

I’m delighted to have been appointed as honorary professor at the University of Aberdeen and am incredibly grateful to colleagues at the university who have supported me. Aberdeen holds a special place in my heart as the first place I lived in Scotland, but it is also on the front line of the energy transition, with a hugely important role to play as we move from fossil fuels to renewable energy and a world where minerals are ever more important.

Dr Kathryn Goodenough, BGS Head of International — Regional Geoscience.

Kathryn expertise in critical minerals and the role that they and the rare earth elements will play in providing clean energy is a key area of focus in the school and our Centre for Energy Transition, with a recently appointed University Interdisciplinary Fellow working in this area.

Kathryn is a welcome addition to our team at a time when the geosciences are playing a major role in renewable energy and the related geopolitical conversation.

In her role with the 51ÁÔÆæ, Kathryn has already worked with a number of our researchers in recent years and we are really looking forward to expanding this further in her new honorary role with us.

Prof Dave Muirhead, head of the School of Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen.

Kathryn is chief editor of the Earth Science, Systems and Society journal, published by the Geological Society. In February, she was awarded their prestigious Coke Medal, given to geoscientists in recognition of their contribution to science and for activities that result in benefits to the community.  

In 2020, Kathryn was named one of the top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by Women in Mining UK. 

Dr Kathryn Goodenough, head of BGS International – Regional Geoscience, has been awarded the prestigious Coke Medal from the Geological Society.ÌýThe award is given to geoscientists in recognition of their contributions to science and for activities that result in benefits to the community.ÌýÌý

Kathryn research focuses primarily on theÌýcritical raw materials required for decarbonisation, such as lithium and the rare earth elements. Kathryn is a longstanding senior member of BGS international programme, collaborating with colleagues around the world on projects concerning global resources, particularly rare earth elements, which are essential for decarbonisation and the energy transition.ÌýShe currently leads BGS programme of externally commissioned international research and capacity building, delivering global collaboration across BGS science remit.

I’m delighted to have been awarded this medal by the Geological Society and must thank all the wonderful colleagues that I have worked with over the years, who make the job such a pleasure to do.

Dr Kathryn Goodenough.

Kathryn is also the chief editor of the Earth Science, Systems and Society journal, published by the Geological Society, which is dedicated to the publication of timely and topical research of high importance across the breadth of the geosciences.Ìý

In 2020, Kathryn was named one of the top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by Women in Mining UK.Ìý

The formal presentation of awards will be celebrated on President Day, 11 June 2025, at Burlington House in London. 

Brighid Ó Dochartaigh has been awarded the Younger Medal by the Geological Society for her outstanding contribution to the hydrogeological community leading the development of the . The atlas was created alongside the International Association of Hydrogeologists, with contributions from over 60 African groundwater scientists from 2014 to 2022.Ìý

A widely used online resource, the atlas provides groundwater information for Africa and acts as a gateway to access additional resources. It contains country profiles on the hydrogeology of 51 countries in Africa, including downloadable geological and hydrogeological maps. The sits alongside the atlas, providing access to PDFs of thousands of documents on groundwater in Africa, many authored by Brighid. Working with in-country co-authors, she also led the production of the suite of hydrogeology maps that are freely available for use in GIS applications.Ìý

Prof Charlotte Watts, chief scientific advisor to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, referred to the atlas as an example of innovative science for development at the 2018 UN Annual Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs.Ìý

The medal was accepted on Brighid behalf by BGS Head of Groundwater, Prof Alan MacDonald, in London on November 19.

My career has been ended early because of long covid, which has left me too sick and disabled for work. That experience makes it particularly special to me to be this year recipient of the Younger medal.Ìý

But the main reason I feel so honoured is for the work this award recognises: the Africa Groundwater Atlas. It been so much a team effort, by colleagues across BGS and other UK organisations, and hydrogeologist colleagues in countries across Africa. Ìý

One of the biggest reasons I value the atlas is for how much support there has been for its development from the start from colleagues in Africa. Their early support validated how useful a resource it could be and encouraged us in its development. Since the launch of the atlas, we’ve seen so many examples of the positive impacts it having on the work of improving understanding sustainable use, and management of groundwater.Ìý

I’m very happy that the atlas continues to be developed by my BGS colleagues, and I hope it will be around for many years to come. I’m proud to think of it as an important legacy of my career. And I’m very thankful to the Hydro Group for recognising the work of the atlas with the award of this medal today.

Brighid Ó Dochartaigh.

Throughout her career, Brighid developed many excellent and useful hydrogeological tools, datasets and reports.  The Africa Groundwater Atlas is the jewel in her crown, a fabulous resource used by many throughout the world and developed in partnership with groundwater colleagues throughout Africa.  I am really delighted that Brighid has been award the Younger Medal — a very deserving recipient.

Alan MacDonald, BGS Head of Groundwater.Ìý

Each year, the recommends new names for geographical features, to honour scientists and support staff who have worked in the region. This year, they have announced that a 2000 m mountain on the southern Antarctic Peninsula will be named Mount Millar after Dr Ian Millar of the 51ÁÔÆæ (BGS).

Ian, who works at BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, worked for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) for more than 21 years before he became an isotope geochemist at BGS in 2005. During his time at BAS, he took part in several field seasons and cruises in and around the Antarctic Peninsula and Transantarctic Mountains, spending more than a year in total working on the southern continent.

In 1991, Ian spent ten weeks camping and travelling by skidoo with a field guide in a remote area of the southern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, collecting rock samples in order to determine the ages of the rocks, working close to the location of Mount Millar. His work there contributed to determining the geological history of the peninsula through detailed geochronology.

I have been incredibly lucky to undertake some amazing fieldwork during my career, both in Antarctica with BAS and, more recently, in much warmer regions like North Africa and south-east Asia since joining BGS.

Dr Ian Millar, BGS Isotope Geochemist.

Mount Millar can be found on the .

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Dr Marie Cowan has been director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) since 2014 and, in addition, is the team leader for the energy, minerals and waste team. Marie is both a member of the 51ÁÔÆæ Senior Management Board and is an official of the Department for the Economy (DfE). 

She has been at the forefront of GSNI’s work in liaising with all 11 of the Northern Ireland district councils on their draft Local Development Plans, including consideration of energy resources. She has led a new science strategy for GSNI, which prominently features natural resources and the energy transition, and has provided geoscientific advice and expertise to senior officials in DfE.

Marie has been instrumental in leading the recent change in the direction of energy geoscience in Northern Ireland and the prominence of geothermal as a consideration by the Northern Ireland Government. Marie set up and chairs the Geothermal Advisory Committee established by DfE and convened the inaugural Northern Ireland Geothermal Energy Week in June 2022.

I am absolutely honoured and privileged to have been nominated for and awarded the Energy Group medal of the Geological Society of London.

Geothermal energy has been harnessed across the world for many decades and can provide us with 24/7, low-carbon, sustainable and affordable heat and power.

Geologists play a critical role in society as our work helps to deliver the energy transition, achieve net zero, mitigate against climate change and create green jobs.

I will continue with re-affirmed resolve the collaborative work with colleagues, government officials, partners and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland and across Great Britain and Ireland. ÌýThis will provide strategic scientific leadership, support and evidence that informs policymakers on geothermal energy and its use for our homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, communities and cities.

Dr Marie Cowan, Director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.