Research
Our research includes core geological survey and monitoring work and other innovative projects addressing today’s geoscientific challenges driven by the changing needs of our stakeholders.
Our research
Environmental change, adaptation and resilience
We are undertaking research aimed at reducing vulnerability, protecting resources and building resilience in response to substantial environmental changes.
Decarbonisation and resource management
Decarbonisation of power production, heat, transport and industry is a major challenge and one that intrinsically involves geoscience.
Multi-hazards and resilience
We work with partners worldwide to enhance understanding of hazards, vulnerability, exposure and risk to ensure our science is useful, usable and used.
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.
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.
International geoscience
The BGS is active across the globe delivering institutional strengthening programmes and applied research projects across a wide variety of sectors.
Our research facilities
Marine operations
BGS’s highly experienced marine operations team have undertaken both scientific and commercial offshore projects around the globe.
Rock Volume Characterisation Laboratory Cluster
This cluster studies the structural and compositional characterisation of rocks and their constituent parts at all scales.
Centre for Environmental Geochemistry
The Centre for Environmental Geochemistry focuses on the use of geochemistry in research, training and teaching.
Engineering and Geotechnical Capability
The BGS Engineering and Geotechnical Capability leads the development and application of field and laboratory infrastructure and long-term management of geophysical and geotechnical property data.
Fluid and Rock Processes Laboratory Cluster
This cluster does research to identify, measure and quantify complex geological and environmental processes essential in the efficient utilisation of natural resources and underground spaces.
Explore research projects
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Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is all energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the solid earth. It is a reliable and constant source of low-carbon, renewable heat that is not dependent on weather conditions.
The impacts of rising groundwater at the coast
Our current activities build on the BGS’s extensive research experience in this region, contributing to welfare and future economic growth by the responsible use of natural resources.
Critical raw materials
All minerals and metals used in manufacturing, including recycled material, have ultimately been mined from the Earth’s crust.
Geodesy and Earth Observation
We develop and use innovative Earth observation (EO) techniques to characterise and monitor Earth processes that impact lives and livelihoods.
Product development
The properties and resources team publishes a broad range of geological data and information, including digital mapping, for all stakeholders.
Carbon capture and storage
The BGS is recognised as a European centre of excellence for the study of carbon dioxide storage. We have a dedicated team active in a number of research areas.
UK Geoenergy Observatories
UK Geoenergy Observatories are facilitating a step change in our understanding of geology and our relationship with the underground environment.
Energy storage
BGS has a sustained track record of energy storage research, which will underpin future laboratory, field and GIS-based activities and commissions.