The Minister was speaking at the opening of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) seminar on “Geoscience: The Foundation of our Future” at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast.
Scientists from a range of sectors, including geological surveys from Northern Ireland (GSNI), the United Kingdom (British Geological Survey - BGS), the Republic of Ireland (GSI), and the European Union, industry, consultancy and academia met at the forum in Belfast. They discussed increased collaboration and the formation of new partnerships representing an exciting way forward for geoscience in society.
The Minister said: “The knowledge economy in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland is demanding more geoscientific information. Many of the strategic decisions that nations will take in the 21st Century will involve geoscience input, predominately related to natural resources and energy.
“Key issues include security of energy supply, involving both renewables and fossil fuels and monitoring natural hazards such as landslides and urban subsidence.”
There is a diverse range of issues facing geological surveys, requiring expertise not only relating to mineral deposits, but also soils, environmental issues, energy, sub surface storage, water, landscape tourism, urban geology, natural hazards, medical geology and marine geology.
Mrs Foster concluded: “The event today provides a diverse discussion arena to look at the expanding role of geoscience in the future development of the knowledge economy and consider how an integrated and coordinated approach could advance research in these areas.”
Professor Peter Mitchell, Science Secretary of Royal Irish Academy said: “The Royal Irish Academy is pleased to be associated with this exciting initiative. Since the Academy published the National Geoscience Strategy in 2007, there have been real benefits to the research community, private sector and government.”
GSNI Director Garth Earls commented: “This event compliments and builds upon the Framework Agreement for scientific cooperation agreed between GSNI, BGS and GSI, signed in November 2007 by the Economy Minister at that time, Nigel Dodds. All three geological surveys will increase collaboration on a variety of strategic and practical topics to provide sustainable solutions to a range of issues facing society in the 21st Century.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Framework agreement for scientific understanding
This event compliments and builds upon the Framework Agreement for scientific cooperation agreed between GSNI, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the BGS. Minister Dodds attended the Framework Agreement signing ceremony on 1st November 2007. Since this agreement has been implemented there has been substantial integration of geoscience programmes between the three surveys with BGS leading on high profile projects.
2. The Royal Irish Academy
This academy for the sciences and humanities for the whole of Ireland vigorously promotes excellence in scholarship, recognises achievements in learning, directs research programmes and undertakes its own research projects, particularly in areas relating to Ireland and its heritage.
It reflects upon, advises on and contributes to public debate and public policy formation on issues of major interest in science, technology and culture.
It offers an independent forum to Irish scholars, it provides a network of support for scholarly disciplines through its network of national committees and commissions, it maintains and enhances its unique library, publishes scholarly papers represents the world of Irish learning internationally. visit the Royal Irish Academy website
3. Geological Surveys
Geological Surveys have a wide range of responsibilities ranging from geological mapping on land and offshore, through environmental surveying to minerals and energy issues including the potential for carbon capture and storage. Landscape interpretation, the communication of science and tourist based products represent an increasingly important role.
4. The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland
The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, founded in 1947, is an office of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for Northern Ireland (DETI). The survey is responsible for providing a wide range of geological advice and information in support of planning, land use, environmental protection and natural resource assessment. We also carry out surveys to collect new data. Our customers include local and national government agencies, the private and educational sectors, and the general public. More about GSNI can be found at the British Geological Survey (BGS) website.
5. The Geological Survey of Ireland
The Geological Survey of Ireland is the National Earth Science Agency of the Irish Republic. It is responsible for providing geological advice and information, and for the acquisition of data for this purpose. GSI produces a range of products including maps, reports and databases and acts as a knowledge centre and project partner in all aspects of Irish geology. GSI is a division of the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources (DCENR). More about the GSI can be found at the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) website
6. The British Geological Survey
The British Geological Survey (BGS), a component body of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the nation's principal supplier of objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and information for decision making for governmental, commercial and individual users. The BGS maintains and develops the nation's understanding of its geology to improve policy making, enhance national wealth and reduce risk. It also collaborates with the national and international scientific community in carrying out research in strategic areas, including energy and natural resources, our vulnerability to environmental change and hazards, and our general knowledge of the Earth system. More about the BGS can be found at the British Geological Survey (BGS) website
7. For media enquiries please contact DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
