COVID-19 update
Many Geological Society staff are working remotely to maintain our services and activities. Read a message from Richard Hughes, our Executive Secretary, to find out more.
Society news
Although our buildings in London and Bath are closed due to COVID-19, the Society is very much open. Explore our wealth of journal, education and Library resources (plus much more) online today.
About us
The Geological Society of London is a not-for-profit organisation, and a registered charity (no. 210161).
Our aims are to improve knowledge and understanding of the Earth, to promote Earth science education and awareness, and to promote professional excellence and ethical standards in the work of Earth scientists, for the public good.
Founded in 1807, we are the oldest geological society in the world. Today, we are a world-leading communicator of Earth science – through scholarly publishing, library and information services, cutting-edge scientific conferences, education activities and outreach to the general public. We also provide impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy-making and public debate about the challenges facing humanity.
The Society is the UK’s professional body for Earth science and has a worldwide membership of over 12,000.
More than 2,000 of our members live overseas and over 2,500 are Chartered Geologists or Chartered Scientists – professionals who have demonstrated a high level of education, professional competence in their field and a commitment to professional ethics.
The Society is licensed by the European Federation of Geologists to award the title of European Geologist and works with partner bodies in the UK to maintain specialist professional registers.
We accredit undergraduate and MSc degree programmes, as well as in-house professional training schemes provided by employers. These professional designations and programmes play a vital role in assuring high professional standards, for the benefit of society.
The Geological Society is committed to promoting and celebrating diversity, equality and inclusion in Earth science education and professions.
Located at Burlington House, Piccadilly, which was developed by the government in the nineteenth century as a meeting place for the arts and sciences, we share the courtyard with the Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Astronomical Society, the Society of Antiquaries of London, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Linnean Society of London.