The Lyell Centre. BGS © UKRI
The Lyell Centre is a collaborative venture between BGS and Heriot-Watt University comprising laboratory, office, and collaborative space designed to enable both organisations to build on their individual and combined interdisciplinary expertise in land and marine conservation, geology and geoscience. Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Scottish Funding Council and Heriot-Watt, the Lyell Centre builds on interdisciplinary expertise to encourage an outstanding science culture.
The facility is home to a number of BGS’ specialist research teams, which are listed below.
Our research
Earthquakes and seismology research
We are measuring, recording and analysing ground motions from earthquakes and other seismic events across the UK and overseas.
Geomagnetism
Measuring, recording and interpreting variations in the Earth’s magnetic field including those caused by space weather
Groundwater research
Our research addresses issues related to the sustainability of water resources and quality, impacts of environmental change on the water cycle, natural hazards, and human health.
Geodisposal: radioactive waste
The BGS has provided geological data and interpretations concerning the safe storage and disposal of radioactive waste for nearly 70 years.
Sea floor: marine geoscience
The marine geoscientists at BGS provide independent and expert geological advice, research and data acquisition to anyone working in the marine environment.
UK Geoenergy Observatories
UK Geoenergy Observatories are facilitating a step change in our understanding of geology and our relationship with the underground environment.
Volcanology
Our scientists lead research projects and work in partnerships around the world to improve our understanding of volcanic processes, hazards and risks.
Critical raw materials
All minerals and metals used in manufacturing, including recycled material, have ultimately been mined from the Earth’s crust.
Latest news
New seabed geology maps for offshore Yorkshire
14/03/2023
Offshore Yorkshire is the latest map to be released in BGS’s series of fine-scale digital seabed maps.
IODP Expedition 386: hosting a sampling party in Japan
19/12/2022
BGS help lead the final phase of IODP Expedition 386 in Japan, coordinating science colleagues from around the globe to extract samples from sediment cores aboard DV Chikyu.
UK Geoenergy Observatories: time zero for net zero
01/12/2022
The BGS-led UK Geoenergy Observatories project is shining a light on the subsurface’s potential to provide geothermal energy.
BGS scientists on board research vessel in Japan in major marine research collaboration
25/11/2022
Experts from BGS’s marine team are part of a major international marine research collaboration to understand more about earthquakes associated with the Japan Trench.
Disaster risk reduction through geoscience
13/10/2022
Exploring hazard research at BGS helps us to understand hazard risks and reduce vulnerability to disasters across the globe.
New geological map of offshore Anglesey released
10/10/2022
BGS has released a new fine-scale digital map featuring the seabed geology of offshore Anglesey (Ynys Môn).
BGS joins the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping to raise data and mapping standards
25/08/2022
BGS is the latest UK Government organisation to join the newly unveiled UK Centre for Seabed Mapping, helping to boost marine data and mapping standards.
Observing magnetic fields: 100 years of data
02/08/2022
Marking the centenary of the Lerwick Geophysical Observatory.
UK’s geomagnetic blind spots tackled with new observatories
28/07/2022
Three new geomagnetic observatories have been installed across the UK to fill in the country’s ‘blind spots’ and tackle the risk posed by space weather.
Scientists reveal extraordinary ecosystems in the deepest part of the Indian Ocean
08/06/2022
New technology has enabled marine scientists to capture some of the world’s first images of previously unexplored habitats in the deepest point of the Indian Ocean.
BGS releases first in a series of new offshore maps of the UK seabed
06/04/2022
BGS has released the first high-resolution, offshore map in a new series featuring the seabed around the UK.
Clean Energy Beneath Our Feet launches at Glasgow Science Centre
13/03/2022
A new interactive exhibition has launched at Glasgow Science Centre, inspired by the work of the UK Geoenergy Observatories.