Lecture Theatre Refurbishment Appeal FAQs

The Lecture Theatre has been at the heart of the Geological Society for generations, hosting scientific discoveries, education, public lectures and professional events. The refurbishment will preserve its remarkable heritage while creating a modern, accessible and sustainable space for learning, collaboration and public engagement. 

In 2024, the Society secured a 999-year lease on Burlington House, giving us the confidence to invest in our historic home for the long term. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard one of the world's most significant spaces in the history of geoscience for centuries to come. 

The project will: 

• Restore historic architectural features where possible.
• Improve accessibility throughout the Lecture Theatre.
• Upgrade environmental performance and sustainability.
• Install modern audiovisual technology for hybrid events.
• Create a welcoming space for Fellows, researchers, students, schools and the public. 

Yes. The project has been developed with conservation at its heart. Research suggests original features may survive beneath the current interior, and wherever possible these will be revealed, restored and celebrated. 

Absolutely. Scientific meetings remain at the heart of the Society's charitable mission. The refurbished Lecture Theatre will continue to host conferences, lectures, specialist meetings and professional events while also expanding opportunities for education and public engagement.

The refurbishment represents a major investment in the Society's future. Philanthropic support from Fellows, individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate partners will help create a world-class Lecture Theatre that can serve future generations. 

Yes. Gifts of every size make a meaningful contribution towards the refurbishment, and every donor becomes part of the next chapter in the Society's history.

You can make a secure online donation, donate by bank transfer, or contact the Development Team to discuss other ways of giving, including larger gifts, charitable trusts, corporate partnerships or gifts in memory. 

If you are a UK taxpayer, your donation may be eligible for Gift Aid, increasing its value at no additional cost to you. If you are considering a major gift, the Development Team would be happy to discuss the most appropriate way to give.

Yes. We fully respect the wishes of donors who prefer their support to remain anonymous.

Inspired by the Society's thirteen founders, Founding Member Patrons are a small group of leadership donors helping to launch this transformational project. Their generosity will play a vital role in securing the future of the Lecture Theatre and they will receive special recognition for their support. 

Founding Member Patrons are helping shape the next chapter in the history of the Geological Society. Their leadership gifts will launch the transformation of the Lecture Theatre, ensuring this remarkable space continues to inspire discovery, education and public engagement for generations to come. 

In recognition of their exceptional support, Founding Member Patrons will be acknowledged on a dedicated installation (unless anonymity is requested), recorded in the commemorative Book of Benefactors preserved within the Society's collections, invited to exclusive project events and briefings, and welcomed as honoured guests at the reopening of the refurbished Lecture Theatre. 

The Founding Circle recognises individuals and organisations making significant gifts to the campaign. Members become part of a community helping preserve an important part of scientific heritage while investing in future education, discovery and public engagement.

Founding Circle members will receive recognition appropriate to their level of support, including acknowledgement in the Book of Benefactors and on the Founding Circle donor display (unless anonymity is requested), along with invitations to special project updates and reopening events. Most importantly, your support will become part of the lasting legacy of this remarkable space. 

Yes. Corporate partnerships are welcomed. Supporting the refurbishment demonstrates a commitment to education, scientific excellence, sustainability and the future of geoscience. Bespoke recognition opportunities are available. 

Yes. As part of the refurbishment, supporters can dedicate a seat in honour of themselves, a loved one, a colleague, mentor or organisation, creating a lasting connection with this historic scientific space. 

Supporters will be allocated seats according to giving level and the date their pledge is received. Final locations will be confirmed once the detailed Lecture Theatre design has been completed. 

Once you have completed your payment, you will be sent a link to a form where you will provide us with the message you want inscribed. A plaque message can be up to 80 characters long.

Seat dedications are guaranteed for a minimum of ten years and will be displayed on an engraved plaque designed to complement the character of the restored Lecture Theatre. 

The refurbished Lecture Theatre will provide a world-class environment for scientific exchange, education and public engagement. It will inspire future geoscientists, support research, welcome schools and communities, and enable audiences around the world to participate through improved digital technology. 

The refurbishment forms part of the Society's wider commitment to improving the environmental performance of Burlington House through better energy efficiency, decarbonisation and responsible stewardship of this historic building.

Supporters will receive updates throughout the project, including key milestones, fundraising progress and news about the reopening of the Lecture Theatre.

If you would like to discuss the project, recognition opportunities or ways to support the campaign, please contact the Development Team. We'd be delighted to hear from you.