Geoscience is a key attribute to the future economic growth of Northern Ireland, according to the Province's Economy Minister.

Arlene Foster, meeting industry delegates at a Stormont conference, noted the important role geoscience plays in a knowledge-based economy. 



Addressing the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) seminar on Geoscience: The Foundation of our Future, 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."

Delegates in attendance included an assortment of leading scientists from a range of sectors. Representative from Northern Ireland (GSNI), the United Kingdom (British Geological Survey - BGS), the Republic of Ireland (GSI), and the European Union, industry, consultancy and academia, all met to discuss increased collaboration and the formation of new partnerships within the geoscience community.

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Ms Foster said: "This event 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." 


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.

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," Mr Earl added. 


(PR/JM)