Press releases issued by the Society are listed here. Members of the press can be added to our press mailing list by contacting [email protected].
11 March 2024
We have partnered with British Geological Survey and the Scottish Geology Trust to bid to host the next International Geological Congress – the longest-running meeting place for Earth scientists from across the world.
27 February 2024
We are delighted to announce the recipients of our 2024 Awards, ahead of the formal award presentation at Burlington House on President's Day, 12 June 2024.
3 March 2023
We are thrilled to announce our 2023 Awards recipients with the formal award presentation to take place at Burlington House on 14 June 2023 on President's Day.
3 January 2023
It is our great pleasure to announce that renowned palaeontologist and past President of The Geological Society, Richard Alan Fortey, has been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the 2023 New Year's Honours List.
18 July 2022
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Thompson as the next Chief Executive of the Geological Society, following the retirement of our present Executive Secretary, Richard Hughes on 31 October 2022.
14 June 2022
Over 200,000 festivalgoers can learn about climate change, space travel, plant power and much more in the newest addition to Glastonbury’s science line up thanks to support from the Geological Society and Responsible Raw Materials.
13 June 2022
Lyme Regis Museum on the Dorset coast is celebrating the life and work of one the town’s most famous daughters, Mary Anning, with a rarely seen portrait of the renowned paleontologist, an exhibition featuring one of her rare ichthyosaurs and a stunning newly discovered genus and species of extinct marine ‘crocodile’ found by two local fossil hunters.
18 May 2022
Burlington House is open for visits from Fellows and those wishing to see the William Smith map Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy use of the lower Library and meeting rooms without the need for an appointment. Please note that visits to the Library will continue to be by prior appointment – see here for further details.
We ask that anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19 refrain from entering Burlington House.
31 March 2022
We have taken the unprecedented step of suspending sales and marketing of products and services to research organisations in Russia and Belarus. We join other organisations globally that are acting to bring about an end to this aggression and to restore peace.
25 February 2022
We are pleased to announce the 2022 winners of our medals, funds and awards.
2 February 2022
We are pleased to announce the re-opening of Burlington House to Fellows and Friends with effect from Tuesday 8 February. Initially the premises will re-open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week, however, we plan to expand to five days by Spring, should the situation allow. Please note that visits to the Library will continue to be by prior appointment, with bookings open on Wednesdays and Thursdays only. In-person events will recommence from 1 March. See here for further details on our re-opening.
9 December 2021
Burlington House will remain closed following the latest announcement from the Government. Find out more here.
8 October 2021
The Science Council, alongside 26 of its member organisations have written a joint letter to Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, regarding the upcoming Spending Review. The spending review will set departmental Resource and Capital DEL budgets from 2022-23 to 2024-25.
12 July 2021
Read our latest update on the continuing closure of Burlington House, following the recent government announcement .
31 March 2021
The Geological Society is pleased to announce the second new, multi-year theme for Society activities – Geohazards, Geoengineering and Georesilience. This is a complex and broad theme, and to acknowledge this, the Geological Society have nominated a team of three scientists to lead the multiple strands of the programme: Dr Anna Hicks (British Geological Survey) theme leader, and two deputy theme leaders - Dr Aggeliki Georgiopoulou (University of Brighton) and Dr Irene Manzella (University of Plymouth).
2 March 2021
The Geological Society is pleased to announce the 2021 winners of our medals, funds and awards.
4 February 2021
The Geological Society has become an official supporter of the campaign to acknowledge the life and work of Mary Anning (1799 - 1847) through a statue to be erected in her honour on the Jurassic Coast. Aiming to commemorate Mary’s contribution and inspire future fossil-hunters with her unique story, this support is in line with the Society’s goal to promote Earth science education and awareness.
1 February 2021
The Journal’s subject scope covers the broad spectrum of Earth science, with a particular focus on interfacing, cross-disciplinary research related to sustainability in society. In addition, the Journal’s mission statement aims at encouraging inclusivity and diversity in publishing, engaging directly with early career researchers, and embodying principles of openness and transparency in science.
20 November 2020
The Geological Society is pleased to announce that the theme of the Energy and Materials Transition will be a new focus for its science program. The Society has appointed Nicholas Gardiner to lead the Society’s program of work in this area, and Lydia Rycroft to support our outreach and engagement work.
5 November 2020
The Geological Society welcomes today’s announcement that a working group of community stakeholders will begin discussions with Radioactive Waste Management about siting a Geological Disposal Facility for the UK’s radioactive waste in Copeland, Cumbria. This marks an important first step in the process of developing one of the UK’s largest ever environmental projects to ensure the safe and long-term storage of higher activity radioactive waste.
25 September 2020
The number of UK students studying geology at university has declined year-on-year since 2014, with a total drop of 43%. Without action, the decline in skilled graduates will pose a serious and economically damaging skills shortage in the UK, particularly at a critical time of transition for many industries and businesses that rely on geological expertise.
23 September 2020
From 2021, the Geological Society of London will support a process known as co-reviewing across its portfolio of journals and books. This type of peer review involves allowing a reviewer to formally involve a colleague in the review of a book or article, and is often an opportunity for junior or early career researchers to gain experience and training with peer review. Both reviewers will receive an acknowledgement for their work, as well as the opportunity to gain credit for their review on the Publons platform.
1 September 2020
The Geological Society of London’s Petroleum Group will today become the Energy Group, covering all aspects of energy geoscience. Meeting the UK government’s net zero targets to limit climate change will require a complete overhaul of energy sources, moving away from oil and gas to low carbon, renewable alternatives. The committee of the Petroleum Group has therefore decided to expand their remit to encompass the full cycle of the delivery of energy to society.
24 August 2020
Read a message from Richard Hughes, the Society's Executive Secretary. You will be aware that the Society’s main offices at Burlington House were closed in mid-March due to the pandemic. Since then our staff have been working mostly remotely. After five months of closure, I’m delighted to inform the Fellowship that a partial, phased reopening of Burlington House will begin on Monday 7 September.
9 July 2020
To coincide with the release of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Joint commitment for action on inclusion and diversity in publishing, we are pleased to release this statement on diversity, equality and inclusion, reinforcing our dedication to making the geoscience community accessible for all.
4 May 2020
A new declaration led by EGU and endorsed by GSL and other international geoscience societies affirms the commitment of the Earth, planetary and space science community to support and promote scientific knowledge and research for the benefit of humanity.
22 April 2020
The Geological Society of London is pleased to announce its themed year for 2022 – the Year of Sustainability. Throughout the year, the Society will explore the role geologists have to play in delivering the energy transition and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a variety of research conferences, lectures and education and outreach activities.
12 March 2020
The Geological Society has published a policy briefing note on the geological disposal of radioactive waste. The eight-page briefing note explains how radioactive waste can be safely disposed of below ground, and how the UK’s search for a long-term disposal site will work.
2 March 2020
The Geological Society is pleased to announce the winners of our 2020 medals, funds and awards. The 17 individuals are being honoured for their contributions to the geosciences and the geoscience profession. The winners will receive their awards at our President’s Day on 4 June.
14 October 2019
The Geological Society is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Earth Science Week photography competition, “Geoscience is for everyone”. For the first time, we welcomed photos taken around the world. The winning photographs showcase the rich diversity of environments in which our photographers, live, work, and travel.
29 August 2019
Advances and investment in several key areas of the geosciences are required to meet targets of no more than 1.5°C warming, according to a review paper published today in Petroleum Geoscience: the international journal of geoenergy and applied earth science.
29 May 2019
The Geological Society of London has announced its theme for 2021 – the Year of Space. Throughout the year, the Society will explore the role geologists have to play in space science, as well as what space can teach us about the Earth, through a variety of research conferences, lectures and education and outreach activities.
21 May 2019
The Geological Society of London is marking 100 years of female Fellowship with a conference exploring the history of women's contributions to geology, an oral history project and an exhibition at Burlington House.
2 May 2019
The Geological Society of London welcomes the report published today by the Independent Committee on Climate Change, proposing that the Government commit to a net-zero reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 2050.
4 March 2019
The Geological Society of London is delighted to announce the recipients of our 2019 awards, to be presented at President's Day on 6 June 2019. The Wollaston Medal, our highest award, is this year presented to Professor Edward Stolper, William E. Leonhard Professor of Geology at Caltech.
23 January 2019
Are we running out of sand? This one day meeting will explore the economics of sand, its role in building climate resilience, and new approaches to managing sand resources as global demand continues to rise.
10 January 2019
This year's Bryan Lovell Meeting will explore the role of the geosciences in decarbonising the UK, including a panel discussion chaired by Andrew Miller, former Chair of the Science and Technology Select Committee.
19 December 2018
We've announced our theme for 2020 - the Year of Life.
10 December 2018
The Geological Society of London (GSL) has published a joint briefing note with the British Geological Survey (BGS) and Geology for Global Development (GfGD), outlining the ways in which geologists are key to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
8 March 2018
The Geological Society has today supported a letter to the Prime Minister published by the Campaign for Science and Engineering, calling on the government to take urgent action in revising current immigration policy.
1 February 2018
We are delighted to announce the recipients of our 2018 Awards, to be presented at President's Day on 6 June.
9 October 2017
The Geological Society is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Earth Science Week photography competition, 'Our Restless Earth'.
21 June 2017
The Geological Society of London has launched its Lyell Collection on HighWire Press's JCore platform. The new sites showcase both book and journal content.
6 March 2017
The Geological Society of London is delighted to announce our 2017 awards, to be presented at President's Day on 7 June.
3 February 2017
The Geological Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Hughes, currently Director of Business Development at the Coal Authority, as Executive Secretary.
4 January 2017
The Geological Society is delighted to be a partner organisation for BBC Learning’s ‘Terrific Scientific’ project, as part of the 'Water' investigation due to launch in February.
5 October 2016
The Geological Society is pleased to announce the results of the 2016 Earth Science Week photography competition, 'Earth Science in Action.' Based on the theme of this year's Earth Science Week, the images will all feature in a 2017 calendar.
5 September 2016
Following two successful themed years, the Geological Society has named 2017 the Year of Risk. Throughout the year, we will be exploring the concept of risk in the context of the geosciences.
16 June 2016
Nearly two thirds of respondents believe a UK exit from the EU would have a negative impact on their work, in a survey of geoscientists carried out by the Geological Society of London.
7 March 2016
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new education and careers web pages, 'Geology Career Pathways', produced in partnership with University Geoscience UK.
29 February 2016
We are delighted to announce the winners of our 2016 awards, to be presented at President's Day on 8 June.
28 January 2016
The Geological Society has named 2016 the Year of Water. Throughout the year, the Society will be exploring the different and varied ways in which geology and water interact, and the importance of these links to people and the environment.
7 October 2015
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 100 Great Geosites photography competition, to feature in a 2016 calendar.
27 August 2015
The Geological Society of London, in partnership with mapping and analytics company Esri UK, have launched a 100 Great Geosites mobile app, following the success of the 2014 project.
15 July 2015
The Geological Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Fray as Executive Secretary. Currently Director of Engineering and Technical Services at the Institution of Structural Engineers, Ms Fray will take up her post in early October.
8 July 2015
Some of the oldest marine animals on the planet, including armoured worm-like forms and giant, lobster like sea creatures, survived millions of years longer than previously thought, according to a spectacularly preserved fossil formation from southeastern Morocco.
7 May 2015
The Geological Society of London has elected two new Honorary Fellows, Professor Maureen Raymo and Professor John Walsh. They join the Society’s 68 strong list of Honorary Fellows, recognised both for their achievements in Earth science, and as ambassadors for the science.
13 April 2015
Members of the Geological Society of London have voted Malcolm Brown, Executive Vice President of Exploration at BG Group, to be their next President, following a consultative ballot. He will serve for a year as President Designate, before taking over from current President Professor David Manning in June 2016.
25 March 2015
At the request of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the Geological Society1 has established an independent panel to review and evaluate the guidance for national geological screening, which will inform the process of identifying a suitable site or sites for geological disposal of the UK’s radioactive waste.
23 March 2015
A rare early copy of William Smith’s 1815 Geological Map of England and Wales, previously thought lost, has been uncovered by Geological Society archivists.
18 March 2015
On 23rd March, the Geological Society of London and partner organisations will launch the 200th anniversary celebrations of William Smith’s ‘Map that Changed the World.’
18 February 2015
We are delighted to announce our 2015 Awards, to be presented at President's Day on 3 June.
21 May 2014
The report is right to point out that we can have a high level of confidence in the safe and secure disposal of CO2 underground. The science and engineering associated with CCS are not significant barriers to large-scale delivery of CCS – the principle constraints are political and economic
10 March 2014
In the past 40 years, ocean exploration has revolutionised our understanding of how ecosystems adapt to life at deep sea vents. The 2014 Lyell Meeting asks, can life in these extreme environments tell us something about the possibility of ecosystems beyond Earth?
25 February 2014
Over two days, geoscientists and decision makers will discuss the latest geological research relevant to shale gas exploration, production and environmental management, including the likely extent of UK shale resources, potential hazards such as induced seismicity or contaminated groundwater, and what can be learned from the story of US shale gas extraction.
28 January 2014
The Geological Society of London today launches a new report, ‘Geology for Society’, outlining the importance of geology to our society, from protecting human health and the environment, to facilitating economic growth.
14 January 2014
Seven Fellows of the Geological Society have been named on the Science Council’s list of the UK’s 100 leading professional scientists, launched to celebrate the Science Council’s 10th birthday.
10 December 2013
The sensitivity of the Earth’s climate to CO2 could be double what has been previously estimated, according to a statement issued by the Geological Society of London.
24 October 2013
The world’s oceans are capable of sustaining 10.5 billion people at a European standard of living for hundreds of centuries to come, according to an article by Lawrence Cathles, Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Science at Cornell University, to be published in a Geological Society special publication this week.
2 October 2013
The UK's second Earth Science Week is taking place on 7 -13 October, and will be a celebration of geology on our doorsteps, with guided walks taking place throughout the week.
8 August 2013
The Geological Societies of London and Japan today signed an agreement for academic co-operation and exchange, on the 400th anniversary of Japanese-British relations.
19 June 2013
Climate records captured in Siberian caves suggest 1.5 degrees of warming is enough to trigger thawing of permafrost, according to a paper to be given at the Geological Society of London on 27 June.
23 April 2013
The second annual National School's Geology Challenge is being held at the Geological Society of London on 23 April.
22 March 2013
An upcoming meeting on 4-5 April to address some of the questions we have about past climate changes during the Holocene epoch.
11 March 2013
An upcoming meeting on 13 March to reassess the complex, non-uniformitarian processes that operated in ecosystems before, during and after the Cambrian explosion.
18 February 2013
A response to Iain Duncan Smith's recent comments about the relative importance of geologists and shelf stackers.
01 February 2013
A joint project between the American Geosciences Institute, The Geological Society of America, the British Geological Survey and the Geological Society of London.
05 December 2012
A statement following the recent Government announcements on Shale Gas
04 December 2012
On 18 December, the Society is holding a meeting to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first announcement of 'Piltdown Man', by Charles Dawson and Arthur Smith Woodward.
19 September 2012
The mystery of how the planet could have escaped from ‘Snowball Earth’ conditions in the Neoproterozoic Era may be unravelling, according to research to be presented at the Geological Society’s Fermor Meeting this week.
05 July 2012
A statement following the recent news about the new visitor centre at the Giant's Causeway.
14 June 2012
The probability of hydraulic fractures, such as those produced in ‘fracking’ for shale gas, contaminating shallow aquifers is minimal, according to a study to be discussed at an open meeting of the Geological Society on Monday (18th June).
2 March 2012
On 6 - 7 March, the Geological Society will be launching its Environment Network with a two day conference focusing on Water Futures. The conference brings together hydrogeologists and researchers from a range of Earth Science disciplines, to focus on the future of groundwater in the UK and abroad.
8 November 2011
While scarcity of rare earth elements (REE) in absolute terms is unlikely to be a concern, their future supply could be disrupted by technical, environmental and financial factors, according to a briefing note published by the Geological Society of London today.
17 October 2011
5 October 2011
The Geological Society is organising the first UK Earth Science Week, beginning with a day-long conference celebrating the link between geology and poetry.
23 May 2011
Select Committee's report on shale gas, published today, finds no evidence that ‘fracking’ poses a direct risk to underground water aquifers, provided the drilling well is constructed properly.
18 March 2011
March 21-27 is the UK's first 'Climate Week', with the aim of raising awareness of the issues surrounding our changing climate, and what can be done. To recognise Climate Week, the Geological Society is holding a number of events and activities.
1 February 2011
Professor Steve Sparks CBE FRS, former President of the Geological Society, is the recipient of the 2011 Wollaston Medal, the Society’s oldest and most prestigious award.
1 November 2010
The climate change ‘experiment’ has already been run, with results that would be disastrous for the world today, according to evidence highlighted in a statement published today by the Geological Society of London.
22 October 2010
The famous landslide scene in The Railway Children could become a regular sight in future, as scientists warn of the effect climate change will have on the UK’s 10,000 kilometres of railway embankments and cuttings.
25 August 2010
A unique ‘natural laboratory’ in the Mediterranean Sea is revealing the effects of rising carbon dioxide levels on life in the oceans. The results show a bleak future for marine life as ocean acidity rises, and suggest that similar lowering of ocean pH levels may have been responsible for massive extinctions in the past.
25 June 2010
Hot spots such as the Iceland plume can cause ripples hundreds of metres high to spread across the Earth's surface, according to the latest research at the University of Cambridge.
23 April 2010
Scientists have come closer to identifying the cause of the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), a period of rapid temperature rise which many believe to be the closest analogue to present day climate change.
16 February 2010
Hopes have been raised for the viability of geothermal energy in the UK, after exploratory drilling in Weardale, County Durham, revealed record levels of permeability in granite.
28 October 2009
Scientists have confirmed that threads found within amber deposits from the Sussex Coast are the world's oldest known spider webs, dating back to 140 million years ago.