International geoscience
BGS Research
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
Nearly three million people in Indonesia’s second city could be affected by an earthquake
17/07/2024
BGS-led research reveals the number of people in the Bandung metropolitan region who could be exposed to a major earthquake.
The heat beneath our feet: BGS field visit to Tuscan geothermal systems
05/07/2024
BGS visits the active and fossilised geothermal systems of southern Tuscany, Italy.
Philippine National Hydrological Model
The first national-scale hydrological model of the Philippines.
Harnessing global collaboration: UK/Kenya partnership in soil erosion research
31/05/2024
Collaboration between scientists is vital in today’s interconnected world to further scientific progress. In environmental research, issues such as soil erosion demand collaboration on an international scale.
BGS awarded research grant to support potential offshore wind development in Iceland
13/05/2024
BGS has been awarded the NERC-Arctic grant for a collaboration project with Iceland GeoSurvey.
Largest CT core scan completed at the BGS Core Scanning Facility
09/05/2024
BGS has completed its largest CT core scan project to date, with around 400 m of core imaged for the IODP Drowned Reefs project.
Delivering a sustainable urban future for Europe through geoscience
08/05/2024
Research, led by BGS and EuroGeoSurveys’ Urban Geology Expert Group, explores how urban geoscience is reflected in European urban and environmental policy.
New research supports conservation of fallow deer across Europe
16/04/2024
New research has combined zooarchaeology and ancient and modern biomolecular datasets to reveal a new understanding of the history and projections of fallow deer.
BGS signs memorandum of understanding with Serviço Geológico do Brasil
10/04/2024
The partnership will advance the two organisations’ shared interests in mineral research and geoscience to help benefit society.
Scientists produce first record of environmental data off coast of Hawai’i
01/03/2024
An international team of researchers, including BGS geoscientists, have succeeded in acquiring a continuous record of environmental data using fossilised coral from Hawai’i.
Unlocking key mineral archives at the Zambian Geological Survey Department
23/02/2024
Rachel Talbot recounts a recent visit by BGS Records staff to the Zambian Geological Survey Department, to assist in critical mineral data management.
Linking geochemistry and health in artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the Kakamega-Vihiga gold belt, Kenya
09/01/2024
PhD candidate Maureene Auma Ondayo is investigating major and trace element exposure in the environment in Kenya, aiming to reduce exposure of humans to toxic chemicals.
Meet our team
Dr David Schofield
BGS Senior Management Board
BGS Edinburgh
