Dr Joel Gill awarded The Geological Society’s Coke Medal for 2025

Our warmest congratulations to Dr Joel Gill, a 2025 recipient of the Coke Medal, awarded on behalf of The Geological Society of London.

The Coke Medal is presented annually for excellence in contributions to geoscience, alongside substantial service to geoscience (administrative, engagement, or organisational activities) which benefit the wider community. Two medals are awarded annually in honour of Lieutenant Colonel Basil Elmsley Coke's (1884–1970) cousin's two sons, who both died at the Battle of Arnhem in 1944.

“I’m very grateful to the Geological Society for this recognition, and to those who took the time to nominate me. This is a special moment and will be a source of motivation and encouragement in the years to come” shared Dr Gill.

Dr Joel Gill is a Lecturer in Sustainable Geoscience at Cardiff University School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where he also coordinates public engagement activities. Dr Gill has a growing international reputation in the fields of multi-hazard risk and sustainable geoscience, with work influencing prominent organisations such as the UK Cabinet Office, the International Science Council, and UNESCO. Dr Gill has been an active Fellow of the Geological Society of London, previously serving on their Council as Secretary for Foreign and External Affairs, and was recently invited to chair their Ethical Principles Working Group.

In 2011, following two periods in Tanzania evaluating the effectiveness of water programmes, Dr Gill founded the charity Geology for Global Development(GfGD). In various leadership capacities, he played a pivotal role in positioning the charity at the forefront of international discussions on the role of geoscience in delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  This has entailed substantive work at the science-policy interface, with GfGD gaining official observer status with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2021, and special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council in 2022.

“My contributions to the geoscience community have always been done as part of teams. Research and teaching, activities through Geology for Global Development, and service to the Geological Society have all introduced and allowed me to work with many inspiring people. I’m thankful for the friendship and support of so many, collectively championing the critical role of geoscientists in delivering a better, more sustainable future for all” Dr Gill shared further.

We are delighted to have leaders such as Dr Gill here at Cardiff School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, working with students from across all of our degree programmes, and extend our congratulations once again on this well-deserved award.