The Geoscience Strategic Alliance: An Update
An aerial image of the coast at Great Orme, Llandudno, Wales. Geoscience underpins the provision of resources to the UK’s population and industry, delivers a wide range of essential services, and helps us understand how we can live more sustainably. © Jay Jerry via Wikimedia Commons
Following a call to arms in spring 2024 to bring a collective purpose and approach to establishing a widespread understanding of the significance of geoscience to the UK, the Geoscience Strategic Alliance (UKGSA) has now formed. A steering group chaired by Professor Iain Stewart, and with representation from industry, education, and key geoscience organisations, guides the activity of the alliance. Lord Robert Mair, Chair of the House of Lords Science, Technology and Innovation committee is an advocate.
UKGSA is now forming three working groups themed around:
- Narrative. The storylines we tell about the significance of geoscience.
- Numbers. The hard evidence that underpins the storylines, including data on the economic, environmental and social impact of geoscience in the UK.
- Navigation. The development of strategy, thought pieces and thought leadership.
If you are interested in joining a working group, please contact UKGSA Executive Secretary Nick Koor: nickkoor8@gmail.com
UKGSA has already made its first submission to the government under the House of Commons Science, Technology and Innovation Committee call “Under the Microscope”. We asked for an investigation of the economic, social and environmental value of geoscience to key government policy and strategies, as well as the numbers and spatial distribution of jobs needed in geoscience, and the qualifications required for those roles.
Professor Sian Davies-Vollum Chair, Universities Geoscience UK
