British Geological Survey
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an independent research organization providing expert geoscientific data and knowledge, with a focus on decarbonization, environmental change, and multi-hazards resilience.
Services
The British Geological Survey (BGS) provides comprehensive geoscientific services, including objective data, information, and knowledge crucial for businesses, homeowners, policymakers, and the general public. Their services include environmental monitoring, core geological survey work, and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Additionally, BGS offers free access to geoscientific data through their OpenGeoscience platform, which allows users to view maps, download data, and access scans and photos.
Research Initiatives
BGS's research spans core geological survey and monitoring work to innovative projects addressing contemporary geoscientific challenges. Notable initiatives include the creation of a new national-scale groundwater simulation model for England, Scotland, and Wales and the largest CT core scan project undertaken for the IODP Drowned Reefs project. BGS's commitment to advancing geoscience includes the release of the first digital version of the UK legacy geothermal catalogue and collaboration projects like the NERC-Arctic grant with Iceland GeoSurvey.
Collaborations and Partnerships
BGS collaborates extensively to further geoscientific research and applications. A notable collaboration includes their partnership with the Iceland GeoSurvey through the NERC-Arctic grant to support offshore wind development in Iceland. BGS has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Serviço Geológico do Brasil, aiming to advance mutual interests in mineral research and geoscience. These collaborations underscore BGS's commitment to international scientific cooperation.
Digital Data and Resources
BGS manages over 400 datasets, covering environmental monitoring data, digital databases, physical collections, and records. Their National Geoscience Data Centre serves as a crucial hub for collecting, preserving, and making geoscientific data available widely. BGS's OpenGeoscience service enhances accessibility to geological data and resources, offering users the ability to view maps and download various geoscientific materials.
Science Strategy and Funding
BGS operates under the umbrella of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as a research center for the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). With an annual turnover of approximately £55 million, about 50% of BGS's funding comes from UKRI-NERC’s National Capability funding. Their 2023 to 2028 science strategy focuses on three key challenge areas: decarbonization and resource management, environmental change, adaptation and resilience, and multi-hazards and resilience, guiding their research priorities for the coming years.