Nottingham and BGS Develop Geochemistry Centre

The University of Nottingham and the British Geological Society (BGS) have joined forces to develop a new Centre for Environmental Geochemistry (CEG) which will focus on research, training and teaching around reconstructing past environmental and climate change, and biogeochemical nutrient and pollutant cycling in soils for agriculture development and food security. There are also ambitions to develop the use of geochemical tools for research into the sub-surface with questions related to how fluids move through rocks and change their geochemistry, which is particularly associated with water resource protection, shale gas extraction and radioactive waste. Opening on 1 April 2014, it will be run by the newly appointed Director, Professor Melanie Leng.

BGS and the University have been collaborating for several years, and in 2010 co-established the Nottingham Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage. which comprises over 40 researchers, academics and PhD students from the University and the BGS, who undertake research in all areas of carbon capture.

Professor Saul Tendler, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at The University of Nottingham said “I am really delighted to see this key collaboration go from strength to strength, building on our collaboration on carbon capture and storage. The new Centre takes advantage of excellent research at both the University and BGS; it will tackle major contemporary issues such as water protection and shale gas extraction. Through our new strategic partnership we very much hope to develop further collaborations to enhance the links between BGS and the University.”

John Ludden, Executive Director at the BGS said “I’m very pleased to see this important initiative with The University of Nottingham. It underlines a longer term development of geoscience research and teaching and the development of a strong relationship with The University on the BGS Keyworth Campus.”