BGS strengthens scientific links with Icelandic partners through Research and Innovation Scotland initiative

The three-day visit brought together researchers working across marine geoscience, volcanology, geological hazards, geothermal energy, carbon storage and offshore infrastructure from organisations including Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR), the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the University of Iceland, Carbfix and BGS.

The proposal was developed through discussions between BGS scientists based at the Lyell Centre, and in collaboration with Professor Eric Bréard at the University of Edinburgh, with the aim of connecting expertise in marine geoscience, volcanology and hazard assessment with Iceland’s unique geological setting and internationally recognised expertise in active volcanic and geothermal systems.

A key objective of the RIS-funded activity was to strengthen connections between researchers and organisations based in Scotland and abroad working across complementary scientific disciplines. Through a combination of workshops, field visits and technical discussions, the visit provided an opportunity to develop new relationships, exchange knowledge and identify future collaborative research opportunities.

The visit also built upon relationships established through previous collaboration between BGS and ÍSOR, including the Offshore and Coastal Region Geological and Geomorphological Assessment: Icelandic Windfarm Suitability (OGGA-IWS) project undertaken in 2024.

A workshop hosted by ÍSOR brought together researchers from BGS, ÍSOR, the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the University of Iceland. Presentations covered marine geophysical surveying, geological hazards, volcanology, offshore infrastructure, geothermal energy, carbon storage and approaches to translating scientific understanding into practical decision-making.

ISOR colleagues presented newly acquired marine geophysical datasets and outlined plans for using their recently acquired multichannel sparker system for a wide range of marine investigations. Discussions highlighted opportunities to combine Icelandic marine geophysical acquisition capabilities with BGS expertise in marine geological interpretation, hazard assessment and offshore infrastructure characterisation.

Field visits to the Reykjanes Peninsula provided an opportunity to observe recent volcanic activity, faulting and deformation around Grindavík. Discussions focused on how geological information can be used to improve understanding of hazards affecting communities and infrastructure, and on opportunities to investigate the poorly characterised offshore continuation of recent fault and volcanic systems. The delegation also visited Carbfix facilities in Keflavík and Hellisheiði, where researchers learned more about Iceland’s internationally recognised carbon mineralisation technology. Discussions explored future opportunities for knowledge exchange relating to basalt-hosted carbon storage and subsurface characterisation, including potential relevance to future developments in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.

A key outcome of the visit was the identification of several future collaborative opportunities spanning marine geoscience, offshore hazard mapping, marine geophysical surveys, carbon storage, infrastructure resilience and geological characterisation of the Icelandic shelf.

The project was made possible through BGS’s membership of the Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES), a partnership of Scottish research institutions that promotes collaboration across the environmental sciences. As a member organisation of Research Innovation Scotland, SAGES provides an important mechanism for developing new international partnerships and collaborative research opportunities.

The visit demonstrated the value of international collaboration supported through RIS funding, helping create new connections between researchers and organisations with complementary skills and expertise. It also highlighted how Icelandic strengths in active volcanic and tectonic systems can be combined with BGS experience in offshore geological mapping, geotechnical characterisation and decision-support products to address shared scientific and societal challenges.

About the author

Dr Duncan Stevens

Marine geoscientist

BGS Edinburgh

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