Annual science review 2016-2017

As a world-leading geological survey, our vision is to be a global geological survey, working with new technology and data to understand and predict the geological processes that matter to people’s lives and livelihoods. Our focus remains on public-good science and research to understand earth and environmental processes. This is combined with an emphasis on three challenges: ▪▪ decarbonisation of power production, heat, transport and industry ▪▪ environmental change adaptation ▪▪ natural geological hazard and risk However, we are undergoing a time of intense transformation, with a much stronger emphasis on the technological developments that are driving us to a new form of geological survey. This is evident in the presence of a data section in this review for the first time, and we are leading the world’s surveys in many aspects of this field. In addition, numerous international opportunities are presenting themselves with the prospect of a greater global impact than ever before. We have also been enhancing our regional delivery for England, in addition to that which is already in place for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Specifically, we now provide a south-west England focus from our Cardiff office, in addition to a south and south-east England regional geology hub, a Midlands (including East Anglia) hub and a northern England hub from our Keyworth office. This is a time of much change for the BGS but our key strengths still remain. These strengths include: ▪▪ nurturing our people ▪▪ developing our partnerships ▪▪ 3D geology and the national geological database ▪▪ remaining a trusted, independent voice