School signs agreement with British Geological Survey

Cardiff University has signed an agreement with the British Geological Survey that will enable closer collaboration between both organisations. The signing took place in the University Council Chamber, Main Building, on Monday 6 June 2016.

Professor Karen Holford, Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Physical Sciences & Engineering, welcomed members of the British Geological Survey (BGS) to the University and signed the agreement with Professor John Ludden, Executive Director of the BGS, and Dr David Schofield, Chief Geologist for Wales.

As part of the agreement, the Welsh Office of the British Geological Survey (BGS) will move from their Tongwynlais offices to a base within the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences in Cardiff University’s Main Building. In addition, the School will gain a BGS lecturer in Hydrogeology. The agreement underlines the close working relationship between both organisations and will ensure better interaction with Welsh Government. This partnership will allow Schools within the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering to benefit from a closer collaboration with the BGS.

Professor Ian Hall, Head of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, said ‘We are very excited about the benefits of bringing BGS (Wales) into the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the University. The potential for enhanced research opportunities stemming from a closer interaction is important to us both. BGS are leaders in applied geological research and this is an area of great importance as we seek to deliver societal and economic impact from across the breadth of our research portfolio.”

Dr David Schofield said “BGS Wales are looking forward to moving to our new home at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciencesat Cardiff University. We fully expect this to enhance the impact of our applied geological research in Wales. Our close relationship with Cardiff University is important, for example we have some excellent collaborative geoenergy projects. We hope to extend the spirit of this collaboration to other areas of our work in Wales.”

The British Geological Survey

The British Geological Survey, a component body of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the nation's principal supplier of objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and information for decision making for governmental, commercial and individual users. The BGS maintains and develops the nation's understanding of its geology to improve policy making, enhance national wealth and reduce risk. It also collaborates with the national and international scientific community in carrying out research in strategic areas, including energy and natural resources, our vulnerability to environmental change and hazards, and our general knowledge of the Earth system. More about the BGS can be found at www.bgs.ac.uk.