Dr Corinna Abesser appointed BGS Policy Director

Dr Corinna Abesser has been appointed as the new BGS Policy Director from 3 April 2023.

Corinna has more than 20 years’ experience in environmental and energy-related research, with projects relating to resource assessment and sustainable use, environmental impacts, policy and regulation.

Currently, she holds the post of head of geothermal energy at BGS, where she has developed and led a portfolio of applied research to advance geothermal knowledge in the UK as well as to inform and influence policy by identifying knowledge gaps and establishing collaborations. Between 2021 and 2022, Corinna also held an academic parliamentary fellowship with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST).

As policy director, Corinna will lead BGS interaction with policymakers at all levels of government. This includes coordinating the BGS response to relevant policy priorities, as well as advocacy in bringing key geoscience-related issues to the attention of the policy community. She will assist BGS staff in using their science outputs to inform policy and regulation and advise senior management on policy-related issues that impact the delivery of the BGS Strategy.

In her new role, Corinna will also join the BGS Senior Management Board and contribute to setting strategic corporate priorities for BGS. This responsibility includes planning, implementation, day-to-day leadership and management of BGS, as well as leading and contributing to corporate working groups and committees.

I am really excited to be taking on the role of BGS Policy Director and look forward to engaging with policymakers across the UK to ensure BGS science and research is available to our key decision makers. As a keen advocate of evidence-based decision making, I will support colleagues across the organisation to identify and pursue opportunities for informing policy and regulation to ensure our research delivers the highest possible impact.

Dr Corinna Abesser, new BGS Policy Director.

On behalf of BGS and the BGS Board, we are delighted to welcome Corinna to her new role. Corinna brings a wealth of experience in policy and regulation to the position and is well-placed to take the lead in enhancing our relationship with the large policy community in the UK and its nations.

Dr Karen Hanghøj, BGS Director.