A three‑panel image showing: left, a painted figure in historic outdoor clothing with a green layered cape, a round bonnet, a red ribbon, and holding a geological hammer and basket against a muted blue background; centre, a black‑and‑white photograph of a person standing among tall, dark, jagged rock formations; right, a black‑and‑white sketch of a person moving through heavy rain with diagonal lines indicating rainfall.

Women in geosciences: past, present and future - Public Lecture

This fun and engaging talk traces the journey of women in geosciences from the Middle Ages to today. Beginning with curious scientists in the Middle Ages, it explores how women often worked as unpaid helpers in the 19th century, gradually gained professional recognition in the late 19th century, and in the 20th century filled temporary male roles or took on jobs men avoided, often overlooked due to the Matilda effect. In the 21st century, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, yet the field faces challenges, including a recent drop in overall student numbers in geosciences. The talk highlights how understanding this history can inspire a more diverse and inclusive future in geosciences.

This Public Lecture will take place on Tuesday 31 March 2026

This is a hybrid event, which can be attended in person at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, or online via Zoom.

17:30–18:00: Guests arrive for the Public Lecture. Refreshments served in the Lower Library.

18:00–19:00: Talk takes place (including Q&A)

19:00-20:00: Drinks reception in Lower Library

20:00: Event end

A person with long, straight brown hair is standing outdoors in front of green foliage. The person is wearing a light-coloured blazer over a patterned top with floral designs. The background is softly focused, showing trees and natural greenery.

Dr Aline Melo, University College Dublin

Dr. Aline Melo is a geologist and geophysicist passionate about bridging geological challenges and geophysical tools. She is an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin, leading CAGEO (Centre for Applied Geophysics and Data Integration) and the Petrophysics Laboratory, applying 3D modelling, inverse theory, and machine learning to explore and map mineral resources critical for the energy transition. She earned her Ph.D. in geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (Mendenhall Prize for Outstanding Graduating Ph.D. Students), has held positions at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais and Vale S.A., and received the Irnack Carvalho do Amaral Award from SBGf (Brazilian Geophysical Society) for contributions to the mining industry. She is also a co-founder of the Brazilian Association of Women in Geosciences (ABMGeo).

This lecture is free to attend.

You can register for both in-person and virtual attendance by clicking on the Book Now button above.

If you wish to join our mailing list, please email conference@geolsoc.org.uk.