News Rock Stars Inspire The Next Generation 05.05.2026

Collyer’s Head of Geology and Assistant Director of the Science Faculty, Dr Ian Carr, recently took part in the Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) Annual Conference.

Dr Carr was invited to join a panel discussion on ‘the future of geoscience: inspiring and sustaining early career professionals’, representing A-level Geology teachers and the Geology course at Collyer’s because of the amazing enrichment opportunities it offers.

The panel was chaired by TV Geologist Professor Iain Stewart (UNESCO Chair of Geoscience & Society and Professor of Geoscience Communication at the University of Plymouth) and included social media star Luisa Hendry, ‘the Scottish Geologist’, Dr Nick Koor, and representatives from the Geotechnical industry and the Geological Society of London.

The panel discussed ways to raise the profile of Geology with young people by increasing visits to schools and colleges and having a greater social media presence. Degree apprenticeships were also seen as an attractive alternative route into the industry. At the conference, local geologist Jonathan Gammon was presented with a lifetime achievement award for his services to AGS.

Dr Carr said: “There was a lively discussion between the panellists, and we also took questions from the audience.

“Also present was former A-level Geology student Tessa Collins who is completing her MSc at Portsmouth University and has been inundated with Job offers, illustrating how buoyant the job market is for young geologists!”