BGS works globally to help stakeholders make better decisions about geology and the role of geological processes in underpinning the economy, environment and society. We are the UK’s premier provider of geological data, information and knowledge to help address major global challenges. Our work helps to support UK foreign and trade policies and demonstrates how the UK is tackling global challenges.
BGS has a powerful brand based on more than 100 years of international collaboration. Our work supports the objectives of UK Government and is truly global, with a track record of projects across Europe, Africa, South-east Asia, and Latin America. We carry out commissioned research and have our own BGS International Geoscience Research and Development programme.
Find out more about our research

International geoscience research and development
The BGS is active across the globe delivering institutional strengthening programmes and applied research projects across a wide variety of sectors.

International commissioned research
BGS has a strong portfolio of commissioned international programmes, including applied research covering the breadth of the BGS strategy, and capacity building projects across the world.
Related news

IODP³-NSF Expedition 501 – Successful offshore operations launches onshore phase
06/08/2025
For the first time scientists have managed to take water and sediment samples from beneath the ocean on the New England Shelf with the intention of understanding this offshore aquifer system.

Kamchatka earthquake highlights the advances in tsunami early warning systems
31/07/2025
The response to the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia has emphasised how far scientific understanding of tsunamis has come over the last two decades, and the improved mitigation measures that are now in place.

New journal article reveals snapshot of forever chemicals in shallow English soils
31/07/2025
Data on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in English soils has been released.

BGS hosts India for ‘deep dive’ on carbon capture and storage
30/07/2025
Some of India’s top scientists visited BGS to explore the UK’s carbon dioxide storage research potential.

Zambia’s first critical minerals guide supports the country’s potential in global clean energy transition
18/07/2025
A new guide to Zambia’s critical minerals highlights the country’s current and potential critical mineral resources, including cobalt and lithium.

Funding awarded to UK/Canadian critical mineral research projects
08/07/2025
BGS is part of a groundbreaking science partnership aiming to improve critical minerals mining and supply chains.

BGS scientists join international expedition off the coast of New England
20/05/2025
Latest IODP research project investigates freshened water under the ocean floor.

Geology sans frontières
24/04/2025
Geology doesn’t stop at international borders, so BGS is working with neighbouring geological surveys and research institutes to solve common problems with the geology they share.

New study reveals long-term effects of deep-sea mining and first signs of biological recovery
27/03/2025
BGS geologists were involved in new study revealing the long-term effects of seabed mining tracks, 44 years after deep-sea trials in the Pacific Ocean.

BGS announces new director of its international geoscience programme
17/03/2025
Experienced international development research leader joins the organisation.

Presence of harmful chemicals found in water sources across southern Indian capital, study finds
10/03/2025
Research has revealed the urgent need for improved water quality in Bengaluru and other Indian cities.

Dr Kathryn Goodenough honoured with prestigious award from The Geological Society
27/02/2025
Dr Kathryn Goodenough has been awarded the Coke Medal, which recognises those who have made a significant contribution to science.
You may also be interested in

National geoscience
The National Geoscience programme is a forward-looking investment in UK geology that provides relevant, coherent and enriched geoscience knowledge for our stakeholders.

Digital geoscience
The BGS is a data-rich organisation. Our data science and data infrastructure are fundamental to our future research and underpin our strategic challenges.