British Geological Survey welcomes visit from Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards

Scientists at the British Geological Survey (BGS) welcomed newly elected Rushcliffe MP, Ruth Edwards, to its headquarters in Keyworth on Friday (7 February).

Ruth Edwards, who was first elected in the December 2019 general election, is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe.

She met with senior scientists, including Director of the BGS, Dr Karen Hanghøj, to speak about the opportunities they face in geological research and its major contribution towards a more sustainable future.

Discussions included a look at BGS’ refreshed science strategy, Gateway to the Earth. The strategy is focused on finding sound geological solutions to help meet environmental and climate change targets.

During her visit, she also met with BGS Chief Digital Officer, Prof Kate Royse and IT security manager, John Day, to share her insights about cyber security and its impact on digital technology at the BGS.

The BGS employs around 450 staff at its Keyworth site and the visit coincided well with the MP’s plans to meet people locally and speak about their priorities for the area.

Afterwards, Mrs Edwards enjoyed a tour of the BGS site, including a look behind the scenes at the largest core facility in the UK which is home to an impressive collection of on and offshore cores.

Following her tour, she said: “It was a pleasure to visit the BGS’s head office in Keyworth to meet Dr. Karen Hanghøj and her team and to tour the site.

“BGS is the largest employer in Rushcliffe and I was fascinated to be given just a snapshot of the crucial work it does for the government and other organisations as well as its work overseas.

“I was particularly interested to hear about its work on decarbonisation and the exciting ways it is using digital technology to enhance its research and make it accessible to a wider audience.”

Mrs Edwards’ career spans the business and tech sector, as well as a number of previous political roles which has included advising governments to help improve cyber security.

BGS Director, Dr Karen Hanghøj, said: “Ruth’s experience in cyber security is a huge asset to the community here in Rushcliffe and it was a pleasure to welcome her and show how local organisations are making an impact. It’s important more people recognise that geology has the power to change lives.”