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

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.

Artificial intelligence is proving a game changer in tracking the Santorini earthquake swarm
07/02/2025
Scientists are harnessing the power of machine learning to help residents and tourists by detecting thousands of seismic events.

Could underground disposal of carbon dioxide help to reduce India’s emissions?
28/01/2025
BGS geologists have partnered with research institutes in India to explore the potential for carbon capture and storage, with an emphasis on storage.

New Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for more collaborative research in the Philippines
21/01/2025
The partnership will focus on research on multi-hazard preparedness within the country.

Dynamics of land-to-lake transfers in the Lake Victoria Basin
09/12/2024
In June 2024, a UK/Kenya research team shared research findings from a collaborative, four-year field and experimental programme within Kenya.

UK–Philippine partnership to help tackle the challenges of future water security in the Philippines
07/11/2024
New ‘hydrological hub’ to foster research and provide essential national water management datasets and tools.

Electromagnetic geophysics in Japan: a conference experience
23/10/2024
Juliane Huebert took in the fascinating sights of Beppu, Japan, while at a geophysics conference that uses electromagnetic fields to look deep into the Earth and beyond.

BGS collaborates with Icelandic colleagues to assess windfarm suitability
03/10/2024
Iceland’s offshore geology, geomorphology and climate present all the elements required for renewable energy resources.
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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.