BGS news

BGS Director, Dr Karen Hanghøj, recognised with honorary doctorate

03/02/2020 By BGS Press
Dr Karen Hanghøj receives an honorary doctorate. Image: British Geological Survey©UKRI
Dr Karen Hanghøj receives an honorary doctorate. Image: British Geological Survey©UKRI

The Director of the British Geological Survey (BGS), Dr Karen Hanghøj, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to geological research by one of Sweden’s top-ranked universities.

Dr Hanghøj was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Uppsala University at a special graduation ceremony in Sweden on Friday 31 January 2020.

Honorary doctor, or doctor honoris causa, is a title awarded to those who have made an outstanding scientific contribution or otherwise promoted research at the university and are considered role models for the research community.

The degree, awarded by the Faculty of Science and Technology, recognises Dr Hanghøj’s contribution to geoscientific research, especially in the field of raw materials.

Over recent years, Dr Hanghøj has served as CEO for EIT RawMaterials, the world’s largest consortium in the field of raw materials, in which Uppsala University is a partner.

During this time, she enabled the university to make strides in key research areas related to, for example, battery materials, mineral exploration and circular economy and recycling.

In Autumn 2019, she took up the post of Director of the British Geological Survey (BGS), the UK’s leading geological research insititute.

Speech marks icon

Speaking of her doctorate, she said: “I’m humbled to be recognised in this way. It was such a special day.

“Geology’s role in society is underestimated and I’m honoured that institutions like Uppsala University are helping to bring attention to its importance.”

Dr Hanghøj already holds a PhD in geology and has worked with research on geological processes in the lower crust and mantle and their associated mineral deposits.

Before the ceremony, she presented to staff and students at Uppsala University and the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) on the importance of raw materials supply and demand for a greener economy.

For further details or to arrange media interviews please contact:

Hannah Pole, British Geological Survey Press Office, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG
Office: +44 (0)115 936 3600
Mobile: +44 (0)7565 297 132
E-mail: hapo@bgs.ac.uk

Notes for editors

The following are available for interview: Dr Karen Hanghøj

For additional information go to: www.bgs.ac.uk

Images are free for media use with this acknowledgement: British Geological Survey©UKRI

British Geological Survey

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is a world leading applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). BGS core science provides objective and authoritative geoscientific data, information and knowledge to inform UK Government on the opportunities and challenges of the subsurface. It undertakes national and public good research to understand earth and environmental processes in the UK and globally. The BGS annual budget of approximately £60 million per annum is funded directly by UKRI, as well as research grants, government commissions and private sector contracts. Its 650 staff work across the UK with two main sites, the head office in Nottingham and Lyell Centre, a joint collaboration with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. The BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations, has close links to 40 universities and sponsors about 100 PhD students each year. Please see www.bgs.ac.uk.

Was this page helpful?

  • How can we make this section better?*

  • Please select a reason*

  • How can we make this section better?*