The BGS operates and maintains a wide range of state-of-the-art laboratories and other facilities. These facilities, managed under the Laboratory Facilities Programme, underpin virtually all of our diverse range of core and commissioned research programmes.
In addition to information on capability, you will find examples of how our science facilities contribute to our research efforts.
View our science facilities
Geophysical observatories
BGS operates a series of magnetic observatories around the globe.
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.
Marine operations
BGS’s highly experienced marine operations team have undertaken both scientific and commercial offshore projects around the globe.
Centre for Environmental Geochemistry
The Centre for Environmental Geochemistry focuses on the use of geochemistry in research, training and teaching.
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.
Rock Volume Characterisation Laboratory Cluster
This cluster studies the structural and compositional characterisation of rocks and their constituent parts at all scales.
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Missing components of nitrogen cycling budgets across the United States
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A PhD in Peru: a country of contrasts
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PhD student Tom Gribbin explains his work on water security in the Peruvian ‘water towers’.
Adventures in elemental mapping – part 1: analysis of minerals
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Training in stable isotope analysis as a PhD student from Croatia
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Recently, Ivona Ivkić Filipović visited BGS to undertake a placement at the Stable Isotope Facility. Here, she tells us a little about her experience and how it will contribute to her PhD research.
BGS receives silver LEAF accreditation for sustainable practices
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The accreditation is a standard awarded to laboratories that can demonstrate practical steps towards improved efficiency and sustainability.
Working at BGS as a postgraduate intern
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Katie Williams, an environmental geochemistry masters student, shares her experience following a work placement in the Stable Isotope Facility.
My role as a BGS Geochemistry Technician
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Geochemical predictive mapping in western Kenya
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To mark World Soil Day, Olivier Humphrey highlights the soil-related activities of the BGS Inorganic Geochemistry Facility and its partners in western Kenya.