Society Updates Autumn 2025
Jon Gluyas, President
Council elections
Dear Fellows,
For the Society’s aims to be fulfilled, its financial sustainability is essential. The Society has grown and has made investments essential for its long-term health, such as purchasing its London premises and overhauling its IT platforms. The challenge ahead is complex – balancing ambitious goals with financial responsibilities. The Society needs people with a collaborative approach to decision making and a commitment to the aims and values of the Geological Society to help steer us through what promises to be an important period ahead. If you are a Fellow of the Society, you are invited to put yourself forward for election. ~ Jon Gluyas, President
- Join the finance and planning committee (FPC): The FPC supervises financial strategy and performance, helping ensure the financial health of the Society. It is supported by the Society’s highly qualified finance and leadership teams and normally meets five times per year.
- Join the Audit Committee: The Audit Committee oversees the Society’s financial controls and processes, including risk management, compliance, and the annual audit. It is supported by the finance team and normally meets twice per year.
For 2026 to 2027 elections, nominations close 23:59 on Monday 12 January 2026 with a Fellows’ ballot held in Spring and the ballot’s outcome formally approved at the Annual General Meeting in June 2026. To submit an expression of interest or for questions, please contact secretary@geolsoc.org.uk. Expressions of interest should be no more than 300 words and provide an overview of your area of expertise, interests and experience.
Serve as Treasurer
The Society is seeking a Treasurer Designate, who will attend Council and Finance and Planning Committee (FPC) as an observer for twelve months from June 2026, and become Treasurer in June 2027. The Treasurer is elected to serve on Council as a Trustee, and has particular responsibility for leading the financial governance of the Society. This includes chairing the Finance and Planning Committee.
Trustees have collective responsibility for overseeing the Society’s purpose, values, vision, and strategy. They take the big strategic decisions and ensure we are conducting the Society’s purposes for the public benefit, acting in the charity’s best interests, managing our resources responsibly, being accountable, and acting in accordance with the rules. Normally there are five Council meetings a year, usually on Wednesday afternoons. Most meetings are virtual, with an in-person meeting and a one-day strategy meeting normally held in early October.
Information on the nomination process and the nomination form are available at geolsoc.org.uk/councilelections.
© Geological Society of London
Special General Meeting Autumn 2025
Fellows are advised that a Special General Meeting (SGM) will be held at Burlington House on 8 October at 18.00. A formal summons will follow the close of ballot and further information made available via geolsoc.org.uk/byelaws.
Research Grants 2026
Applications are now open for the Society Research Grants for 2026 and close at 23:59 on 9 February. Only fully completed application forms with supporting statements from someone familiar with the field of work and research project proposal will be considered. Before applying, please read the full guidance and requirements on the Grants and Bursaries page at geolsoc.org.uk/grants.
Society Awards 2026
Our awards celebrate excellence in Earth science. Nominating a colleague by 23:59 on 15 October 2025 is a fantastic opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions to the community, across industry, academia and government. We are committed to widening participation in our medals and funds and have simplified nomination requirements.
For more information, visit geolsoc.org.uk/awards or email awards@geolsoc.org.uk.
Fookes Meeting for Engineering Geology
The inaugural Fookes Meeting for Engineering Geology (FMEG) will take place at Burlington House (and virtually) on 20-21 November 2025. Designed to appeal to students, academic researchers and those working in applied practice, the meeting aims to foster networks and collaboration, with particular focus on supporting early career members of the community. The meeting is timed to coincide with the Engineering Group’s Glossop Lecture and Award evening at the nearby Royal Institution on 20 November.
The FMEG (which is free to attend for all Fellows and Student Fellows) will be held every two years by virtue of a generous donation by the late Mrs Edna Fookes, in memory of her husband Professor Peter Fookes, a pioneer of engineering geology and recipient of the first Glossop Medal in 1997.
