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.
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.
Related news
BGS laboratories become first in UKRI to receive gold LEAF accreditation
28/03/2023
BGS achieved gold certification in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) accreditation in March 2023.
When did the cows come home?
23/02/2023
PhD student David Osborne is exploring Bronze Age animal husbandry using isotopes and X-rays.
New lead isoscape map for archaeological provenance studies in Great Britain
28/10/2022
A new study aims to determine lead isotope ratios in soil and rock across Great Britain which could inform future archaeological studies about human and animal origins.
Tracking nitrate and ammonium in the environment
20/10/2022
Newly developed methodologies are improving our understanding of nitrogen cycling.
My role as a stable isotope research assistant
11/10/2022
Dr Harvey Pickard gives us an insight into his new role analysing stable isotopes and getting to grips with some of the laboratory equipment at BGS.
BGS receives funding for new system to analyse oxygen Isotopes
26/09/2022
A major upgrade of BGS’s research equipment following investment from NERC will help scientists understand historic changes in climate.
Missing components of nitrogen cycling budgets across the United States
23/09/2022
As a BGS-hosted Lancaster University PhD student, Elizabeth Flint has been working to understand the effects of water supply processes upon macronutrient cycling.
A PhD in Peru: a country of contrasts
23/09/2022
PhD student Tom Gribbin explains his work on water security in the Peruvian ‘water towers’.
Adventures in elemental mapping – part 1: analysis of minerals
21/09/2022
The BGS Inorganic Chemistry team discuss their new laser micro-sampling and analysis system and what it means for the future of our research — and possibly yours…
Training in stable isotope analysis as a PhD student from Croatia
20/07/2022
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
12/07/2022
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
15/06/2022
Katie Williams, an environmental geochemistry masters student, shares her experience following a work placement in the Stable Isotope Facility.