The British Geophysical Association
The British Geophysical Association (BGA) was formed as a Joint Association of the Geological Society of London and the Royal Astronomical Society, its mission is to promote geophysics and to strengthen the connections between geophysics and the wider natural sciences across the UK.
Membership is open to Fellows of either parent Society.
Learn more by visiting the BGA website.
About Geophysics
Geophysics applies the principles of physics to improve our understanding of the Earth, its oceans, atmosphere, and near‑Earth space environment. It is an inherently interdisciplinary field that draws on physics, astronomy, planetary science, geology, environmental science, oceanography, and meteorology. Because of this breadth, geophysicists come from many backgrounds: seismology, meteorology, glaciology, geomagnetism, geodesy, and more. Together, they explore everything from earthquakes and volcanoes to climate, oceans, and planetary evolution.
Events and Awards
The BGA presents a range of awards and supports several key scientific meetings that bring together researchers from across the geophysics community including:
The Bullerwell Lecture
One of the highlights of the BGA calendar is the annual Bullerwell Lecture, awarded to an outstanding early‑career geoscientist. Running since 1981, the lecture is named after the first Chief Geophysicist of the British Geological Survey. The Bullerwell Lecture has been delivered by many leading UK researchers who have gone on to receive recognition from major scientific societies and institutions worldwide. The recipient is supported with BGA funding to present the lecture at universities across the UK—bringing cutting‑edge geophysics directly to UK academic communities.
New Advances in Geophysics (NAG)
The NAG meeting is a prominent annual event showcasing cutting‑edge techniques and emerging research themes. Recent meetings have focused on topics such as Frontiers in Electromagnetic Geophysics, Machine Learning in Geophysics, The Future of Passive Seismic Acquisition, and Global Security Challenges.
Post‑Graduate Research in Progress (PGRiP)
Held each September, the PGRiP meeting provides an informal and supportive environment for postgraduate students from the UK and beyond to present their research. Each year, a different institution hosts and organises the event, fostering collaboration and community among early‑career geophysicists.
British Seismology Meeting
The British Seismology Meeting, held biennially, brings together seismologists from academic institutions and industry to discuss the full breadth of current seismological research.
Committee members
President: Dr. Jessica Johnson
Email: president@geophysics.org.uk
Secretary: Dr. Paula Koelemeijer
Email:secretary@geophysics.org.uk
Treasurer: Dr. Mark Ireland
Email: treasurer@geophysics.org.uk
Equality, Diversity and Inclusions Officer: Dr. Jenny Jenkins
Email: edi@geophysics.org.uk
Awards Officer: Dr. Emma Chambers
Email: awards@geophysics.org.uk
Competitions Officer: Dr. Lidong Bie
Email: competitions@geophysics.org.uk
Meetings Officer: Dr. Tim Craig
Email: meetings@geophysics.org.uk
Outreach and Schools Liaison Officer: Dr. Sophie Butcher
Email: outreach@geophysics.org.uk
Web Officer: Dr. Stuart Nippress
Email: webofficer@geophysics.org.uk
Industrial Representative: Michael Braim
Email: industrial@geophysics.org.uk
Postgraduate Representative: Frederik Madsen
Email: postgraduate@geophysics.org.uk
Undergraduate Representative: Saachi Jain
Email: undergraduate@geophysics.org.uk