Geological Society honours BGS scientists

BGS Director receives William Smith Medal 2023

Dr Karen Hanghøj is the recipient of the William Smith Medal 2023, bestowed by the Geological Society. The William Smith Medal is one of the society’s highest honours and is awarded for excellence in applied and economic aspects of geology.

Dr Hanghøj is a key driving force in ensuring geological research and information are at the forefront of addressing global societal challenges, such as the transition to net zero. She is making significant steps in communicating the challenges and opportunities for geology for this transition: her experience of working in Europe and America means she is well-placed to convey the importance of raw materials for the energy transition to policymakers. She is an effective ambassador for geoscience at the highest level in the UK and across the world.

As the director of the British Geological Survey, it is an honour and a privilege to receive a medal named after the scientist who made the first geological map of Britain. It is especially timely as BGS has just launched its new strategy with a clear commitment to develop more maps and models for the 21st century, in the UK and internationally.

This medal recognises the importance of communicating and advocating for the crucial role that geology plays in our society, something that I am passionate about. I will continue to talk to the wider community and inform societal debate on geological solutions to our global challenges.

Dr Karen Hanghøj, BGS Director.

Early career scientist receives William Smith Fund

Dr Samantha Engwell is the recipient of the Geological Society’s William Smith Fund 2023, which is awarded to geoscientists within the first 10 years of their career. The fund recognises excellent contributions to geoscience research and its application, in the UK and internationally.

Dr Engwell is a member of BGS’s volcanology team. She uses computer modelling to understand volcanic eruptions and their associated hazards, such as ash in terms of hazards to aviation, and the formation of tsunamis.

It is a real honour to be awarded the William Smith Fund by the Geological Society. I feel incredibly privileged to have been recognised for my work in volcanology, a career that has brought me so much reward, and to be recognised alongside so many other talented scientists.

Dr Samantha Engwell, BGS Geologist and Volcanologist.

I would like to congratulate Dr Samantha Engwell on her award. She has already made invaluable contributions to the field of volcanology. She provides expert advice to UK and EU governmental institutions on volcanic activity and contributes to our understanding of volcanoes’ future behaviour — essential for the people who live alongside these geological hazards.

Telling our stories and successes will hopefully help inspire more people from all walks of life to consider geology as a career.

Dr Karen Hanghøj, BGS Director.

Recognition of world-leading science and scientists

Dr Karen Hanghøj has made significant contributions to the field of geoscience throughout her career and is an eminent geoscientist.

Since her appointment to BGS in 2019, she has pushed the organisation to develop its role and deliver world-class data, advice and research that will help address some of the fundamental challenges the UK and the world faces.

I would also like to congratulate Dr Samantha Engwell on receiving the William Smith Fund, which is an incredible recognition of the contribution she has made in her early career.

Sir Keith O’Nions, Chair of the BGS Board.