BGS and the Natural History Museum’s ‘Research Partnership for the Future’ 2022
The Memorandum of Understanding reflects and builds on the two organisations’ shared history and sets out a roadmap for working collaboratively to deliver our joint ambitions.
20/01/2022 By BGS Press
On 20 January 2022, BGS and the Natural History Museum (NHM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) called Research Partnership for the Future. This partnership reflects and builds on the two organisations’ shared history and sets out a roadmap for working collaboratively to deliver our joint ambitions.
The partnership focuses on six strategic areas of shared interest:
- research
- collections
- digital and data resources
- provision of space and infrastructure
- public engagement and citizen science
- higher education and training
Earth science knowledge and expertise is core to addressing many of the most pressing issues facing society in the 21st century, from the decarbonisation of energy supplies to climate change mitigation.
Dr Doug Gurr, Natural History Museum Director, and Dr Karen Hanghøj, BGS Director, signing the Memorandum of Understanding. BGS © UKRI.
The agreement enables BGS and NHM to harness the expertise they have in these areas and to engage with key stakeholders and the public. Working together means we can provide greater access to our collections, data, research and people whilst generating further dialogue around the most pressing issues facing society and the planet, both today and in the future.
This partnership agreement will complement and enrich the delivery of our science strategy and ensures not only will we work together to deliver cutting-edge geoscience for a sustainable future, but also work collaboratively in inspiring and engaging the next generation of geoscientists.
Dr Karen Hanghøj, BGS Director.
Geoscience expertise has never been more important; it plays a critical role in combatting the planetary emergency — from sourcing sustainable supplies of the resources needed to transition to a green economy, to securing clean water. This agreement builds on our century-old relationship and outlines our shared commitment to scientific excellence and discovery, making geosciences as inclusive as possible — and engaging the public with science-led solutions.
Dr Doug Gurr, Natural History Museum Director.
Relative topics
Download a copy of the MoU
BGS NHM MoU – Research Partnership for the Future 2022
Related news
New geological maps of the Yorkshire Wolds to better inform groundwater management and policy decisions
17/12/2025
The new mapping provides crucial data on localised geological issues that may assist in protecting water supplies.
‘Three norths’ set to leave England and not return for hundreds of years
12/12/2025
The historic alignment of true, magnetic, and grid north is set to leave England, three years after they combined in the country for the first time since records began.
BGS agrees to establish collaboration framework with Ukrainian government
11/12/2025
The partnership will focus on joint research and data exchange opportunities with Ukrainian colleagues.
Making research matter: BGS joins leading research organisations in new national initiative
10/12/2025
A new alliance of 35 organisations has been formed that is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities.
New 3D model to help mitigate groundwater flooding
08/12/2025
BGS has released a 3D geological model of Gateshead to enhance understanding of groundwater and improve the response to flooding.
Scientists gain access to ‘once in a lifetime’ core from Great Glen Fault
01/12/2025
The geological core provides a cross-section through the UK’s largest fault zone, offering a rare insight into the formation of the Scottish Highlands.
New research shows artificial intelligence earthquake tools forecast aftershock risk in seconds
25/11/2025
Researchers from BGS and the universities of Edinburgh and Padua created the forecasting tools, which were trained on real earthquakes around the world.
BGS welcomes publication of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy
23/11/2025
A clear strategic vision for the UK is crucial to secure the country’s long-term critical mineral supply chains and drive forward the Government’s economic growth agenda.
New funding awarded for UK geological storage research
21/11/2025
A project that aims to investigate the UK’s subsurface resource to support net zero has been awarded funding and is due to begin its research.
UK braced for what could be the largest solar storm in over two decades
12/11/2025
Intense geomagnetic activity could disrupt technology such as communication systems, global positioning systems and satellite orbits.
First distributed acoustic sensing survey completed at UK Geoenergy Observatory
12/11/2025
New research at the Cheshire Observatory has shown the potential for mapping thermal changes in the subsurface using sound waves.
Latest BGS Geology 50K mapping data launched
06/11/2025
Some of our most widely used maps have received a major update, including the 1:50 000-scale map series that now includes enhanced coverage of Great Britain.