From nature recovery to waste reduction – a high profile geology conference attracted more than 175 geo-professionals to the University of Hull.
With field trips to Spurn Point and the Wienerberger tile factory in Broomfleet, trade exhibitions, presentations and social events – the EIG conference provides a unique scientific and technical shop window for the non-petroleum extractive industries.
Professor David Bond, geologist and organiser of the conference, said: “It is especially fitting that this year, the prestigious Ansel Dunham Lecture (named after the pioneering 1970s-80s Hull Professor of Geology) was given by Adrian Charters, a Hull alumnus who graduated from our Industrial Minerals MSc in 1985 and is now Principal at Land and Minerals Consulting Ltd. His lecture on “The Rise of the Digital Geologist: A Forty-Year Journey” charted the enormous changes in the geosciences, driven by technological advances, over his career.
“It was also fitting that our new Head of the School of Environmental Sciences, Mark Anderson, opened the meeting with a look at the history of Geology at Hull, before my Geology colleagues Anna Bird and Eddie Dempsey set the scene for the meeting with an overview of the geology of the region and our important part in the future of the sustainable use of Earth’s natural resources.
“Everybody said they had an amazing time at the conference with many saying it was one of the best EIG meetings ever. I think we really showed the University off at its best.”
Ruth Allington, former President of the Geological Society, said: “The meeting had an exceptional atmosphere and it was fantastic to see so many youngsters (especially the impressive young women) who were so engaged in the event and starting to build their professional and social networks. Congratulations to all concerned on a super event.”
The conference also provided a great opportunity for a team of ten student volunteers from across the School of Environmental Sciences: Aiden, Augustina, Caitlin, Catherine, Emmanuel, Guy, Katie, Lucy, Mawuli and Taylor.
"They did a fantastic job preparing conference bags, running the registration desks and guiding our visitors,” said Professor Bond.
“They had a great time and were able to network with all of the trade exhibitors. Many on the EIG Committee agreed that it was the best student team they’d ever had, and were thrilled with the important contribution our student team made to the success of the conference.”
In return, the students said they felt honoured be part of such a prestigious conference and were glad to be given the opportunity to be able to assist the organisers and to contribute to the success of the event. They said it had been a huge learning experience and lots of fun.
Mawuli Abalo, PhD student in Human Geography, said: “Huge thanks to the organising team for the opportunity to serve and be a part of this conference. The sessions were educational and interesting. The individuals and their businesses were the highlights: we felt we belonged.”
Augustina Illimoe, Masters student in Flood Risk Management, said: “To be honest, this conference was a mind-blowing experience for me. I am so glad to have been part of this great integrated team. A special thanks to the organising committee for giving us the opportunity."
The Extractive Industry Geology is a highly successful conference held every 2 years that helps people in the sector keep abreast of current and future trends, innovation, and share best practice.
The raffle held at the conference dinner raised more than £2500 to be shared between the charities Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University and the RNLI.