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 was officially announced as a UNESCO Global Geopark on Thursday 17 April 2025. Arran contains a variety of rock types and structures, vast archaeological and geological heritage, and an array of habitats that all make it a truly unique location. The island has a diverse range of plants and animals that benefit from the landscape and underlying geology, which means that Scotland ‘big five’ — golden eagles, red deer, red squirrels, otters and harbour seals — are well established.

���������䰿&�Բ�����; are areas with internationally important landscapes and rocks, all of which are managed responsibly for conservation, education and sustainable development. Although geology is their foundation, Global Geoparks also bring together other aspects of heritage such as archaeology, history, culture and biodiversity. Collaboration with local people makes the Global Geoparks better places to work, live and visit.

51���� contributes to the development of UNESCO Global Geoparks through the UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks, which is responsible for coordinating Global Geoparks at a national level, and the submission of UK candidates for UNESCO Global Geopark designation. BGS is also able to provide geological information, such as and photos.

There are now 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries, 10 of which are located in the UK, including the Isle of Arran. Two other Global Geoparks in Scotland are the North-west Highlands and Shetland.  Other UK Global Geoparks include the Black Country in the West Midlands of England, Fforest Fawr in south Wales, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark in Northern Ireland.

Through my role as Chair of the UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks, I mentor aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK and have worked with the Isle of Arran over the past four years to develop its application.

Arran is truly special in terms of its geology, archaeology and habitats, and we are delighted that this has been recognised and that the island has been named as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Congratulations to all those involved.

Dr Kirstin Lemon, science programme manager at the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and Chair of the UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks.

The geology of Arran is truly special. Features of the island include folded rocks from ancient Caledonian mountains, red desert sandstone, footprints of extinct reptiles, and a great variety of dykes, sills and intrusions, formed when the Atlantic Ocean opened. It was at Arran that James Hutton, the ‘father of modern geology’, found the first example of an unconformity, now one of three Hutton unconformities. The granites of Goat Fell, Cir Mhòr and Beinn Tarsuinn are sculpted into intriguing shapes by ice, wind and water, and bear some of the finest rock-climbing routes in Scotland. I congratulate the local community for their hard work making Arran a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Dr Maarten Krabbendam, BGS Chief Geologist, Scotland.

 

On 18 October 2023, the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) launched a new book and digital aquifer map, ‘’, alongside BGS.

Groundwater is the water that is present beneath the land surface in pore spaces and fractures in rock. The book presents a regional overview of the current understanding of Northern Ireland groundwater environment, hydrogeology and groundwater resources.

A new digital aquifer map of Northern Ireland has also been released alongside the book. The map contains 11 different aquifers (bodies of groundwater); each aquifer has different characteristics such as how groundwater flows through it and the groundwater chemistry.

It wonderful to finally launch this book and map. Northern Ireland has some excellent groundwater resources that we get to showcase in the book and map, which will continue to support our society and economy. We anticipate that these products will support a new wave of groundwater development that will benefit Northern Ireland and the UK.

Paul Wilson, BGS Hydrogeologist.

51���� Hydrogeologist Paul Wilson and Brighid Ó Dochartaigh, BGS Senior Hydrogeologist, co-wrote the book with Dr Mark Cooper, GSNI Chief Geologist, and Rebecca N Chonchubhair, GSNI Hydrogeologist.

The book aims to help stimulate further interest in groundwater as a critical natural resource that used for public and private water supply. It also provides support for further development of groundwater resources in Northern Ireland, including new groundwater and geothermal energy supplies, and improved hydrogeological risk and environmental impact assessments for new developments.

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 51���� 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. This 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.

list names key geological sites of international scientific relevance that have made a substantial contribution to the development of geological sciences through history.

The UK sites are:

• Siccar Point, Scotland
• Giant Causeway and Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
• Moine Thrust, Scotland
• Ynys Llanddwyn Mélange, Wales

The selections have been made from right across the world and include other well-known sites such as the Grand Canyon (USA), Sugar Loaf Mountain (Brazil) and Mount Everest (Nepal). Whilst many have helped to develop the science of geology, others are the world best examples of geological features and processes.

The list was drawn up by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), one of the largest international geoscience organisations in the world, together with UNESCO.  

The identification of the top 100 sites was part of a project that involved more than 200 specialists from almost 40 nations and ten international organisations.

There were a number of sites from across the UK put forward as part of the list, with nominations coordinated by representatives from BGS and the environment agencies from the four regions of the UK.

Dr Kirstin Lemon of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) was among the panel of international experts to evaluate more than 181 nominated sites.

It fantastic that the international geoscience community has given visibility to these sites, which recognises their importance for the development of geological science.

These sites are some of the world best demonstrations of geological features and processes and contribute to our understanding of the Earth formation through time. Now they are officially recognised as holding the highest scientific value.

Dr Kirstin Lemon, GSNI.

The full list of global sites will be revealed at a special IUGS event in Spain this week.

Siccar Point

Siccar Point, off the coast near Eyemouth, Scotland, is a world-famous place of geological interest. Its historical importance was established in 1788 by James Hutton, when he discovered the near-vertical layers of sedimentary rock, which enabled him to describe deposition, folding and erosion, some of Earth most fundamental geological processes that form the landscapes we know today. Hutton account, according to Scottish Geology, describes Siccar Point as ‘looking so far back into the abyss of time’.

Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast

The Giant Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site was selected primarily for its role in the development of geology as a science, representing a key site in proving the origin of volcanic rocks during the 18th century. It was nominated jointly by GSNI, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Trinity College Dublin due to its importance.

Moine Thrust

The Moine Thrust is the main geological structure in the North West Highlands, made up of a sequence of Precambrian metasedimentary rocks. Known informally as ‘the Moine’, it has attracted geologists from all over the world for well over a hundred years. The site is the focus of many influential studies, all helping to advance understanding of structural geology and thrust tectonics. It was here in the early 1880s that Charles Lapworth demonstrated that the sequence of rocks was not a simple stratigraphic order, but was repeated by folds and faults.

Ynys Llanddwyn Mélange

The Ynys Llanddwyn Mélange is part of Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest and located within the GeoMon UNESCO Global Geopark. ‘Mélange’ is the name given to the chaotic body of mixed rocks at this location including limestone, cherts and pillow lavas . It was here that the term was first used, over 200 years ago, and debates as to how mélanges form are still ongoing to this day. 

The Royal Irish Academy has been honouring Ireland leading contributors to the world of learning since its establishment in 1785. Recognised internationally, it is a major national honour.

Past members of the Royal Irish Academy include Seamus Heaney, Dame Nuala O’Loan and former presidents of Ireland Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson. Those elected are entitled to use the designation ‘MRIA’ after their name.

Dr Marie Cowan, the director of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) at BGS, received the accolade for her contribution to society on the island of Ireland including her creation of a multi-lingual communications campaign for OneGeology, a flagship BGS project for UNESCO International Year of Planet Earth.

The project, which reached a global audience of 107 million, aimed to improve the accessibility of global geoscience data to address societal issues including climate change.

“I am absolutely honoured and privileged to be elected a member of the Royal Irish Academy,” said Dr Cowan.

“Geoscience impacts on all our lives, accounting for 34,000 jobs and 6150 businesses in Northern Ireland alone putting it on a par with agriculture.

“Looking ahead, geoscientists will play an integral part in society as we work towards a zero-carbon economy and greater environmental protections.

“I look forward to progressing the Academy mission to champion academic research and promote awareness of how science and the humanities enrich our lives and benefit society”.

Among Dr Cowan other achievements is cross-border collaboration on the multi award-winning Tellus geoscience programmes, working together with the Geological Survey of Ireland to benefit the island economy and research ecosystem.

Its communications campaigns were awarded five industry awards from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Public Relations Institute of Ireland.

Dr Cowan also initiated the MLA-Geoscientist Pairing Scheme in Northern Ireland and introduced the Scientist and Oireachtas Member Pairing Scheme in Ireland to enrich evidence-based policymaking.

Dr Mary Canning, President of the Royal Irish Academy said ‘‘Ireland should be immensely proud of these women and men who have brought international acclaim to our country. As members of the Royal Irish Academy they will strengthen our capacity to provide the expert advice Ireland needs at this time”.

Dr Karen Hanghøj, Director of the 51����, said “We are thrilled to see Marie honoured in such a way. She is a role model for geoscience and her work has made a huge impact in Ireland and beyond”.