Lecture outline

Geoscience is fundamental to building resilient and sustainable societies in a rapidly developing world. Yet the links between geoscience and society, and the links between geoscience and international development are often misunderstood or under appreciated.

Geoscience underpins our understanding of natural resources, enabling responsible management of water, energy, and minerals. It also underpins our understanding of natural hazards to help with resilience and mitigation, to protect lives and infrastructures, and plays a critical role in addressing climate change, from carbon storage to understanding Earth system dynamics.

The understanding of our subsurface allows for better evidence-based, informed, decision making, at home and internationally. For a developing world, geoscience is not optional—it is essential for a secure, equitable, and sustainable future.

Biographical note

Dr Maggy Heintz is Director of International Geoscience at the British Geological Survey (BGS). In her role, she leads a global team with a track record of projects across Europe, Africa, South-east Asia and Latin America, to support the objectives of the UK Government. Maggy arrives at BGS following her work as executive director of the UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR), an organisation that analyses UK funding trends and practices in research for international development. She previously spent eight years at the University of Leicester as international research development manager and as head of research and business development. She has also worked in science diplomacy within the French Embassy in the UK, stimulating international collaborations between France and the UK.

Maggy believes passionately in harnessing the power of geoscience to tackle pressing global challenges and in the impact of earth sciences when delivered through true partnerships with international partners.

Attending the lecture

The lecture is open both to members of the Society and to guests.

The lecture will take place in the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, New Walk https://www.leicestermuseums.org/leicester-museum-art-gallery/

The hall will be open from 6:45 and tea and coffee drinks will be available between 7.00pm and 7.15pm before the formal start of the event at 7.30pm.

The lecture will also be streamed on Zoom. A recording of the lecture may be available to members only.