Thursday, November 19, 2015

United Kingdom: University Gets Royal Recognition for Volcanology Research that Aids the Geothermal Energy Industry

Royal award recognizes global impact of Bristol’s volcanology research (University of Bristol)

The University of Bristol in west England has been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education – the highest accolade for any academic institution – in recognition of its world-leading research in volcanology.

The work of Bristol’s Volcanology Research Group has been applied across the globe to reduce a variety of risks posed by active volcanism including work that helps the geothermal energy industry.

This includes monitoring the world’s forgotten volcanoes from space. Only a small number of the world’s known volcanoes are monitored from the ground so the team are developing satellite monitoring tools to identify signs of volcanic unrest. This work has been piloted using volcanoes in Ethiopia which are not monitored locally and have no risk assessment but are showing signs of activity. Data generated are also being used to help inform the geothermal energy sector, improve geothermal production and reduce the uncertainty and risk associated with geothermal energy development.

The Queen will present the prestigious accolade, which is part of the UK’s national Honors system, to the University during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace next year.