Royal Irish Academy / 2026 Geological Survey Ireland Geoscience lecture on Thursday 29 January 2026 at 6.00pm at the Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, D02 HH58.
The talk, entitled ‘Why does net zero need geoscience?’ will be given by Karen Hanghøj, Director of the British Geological Survey.
Book your ticket here.
Renewable energy and mobility technologies create a strong demand for certain raw materials. Potential scarcity and criticality of these materials might negatively impact the energy transition, and the downstream supply chain significantly. The sustainable use of natural resources is essential for the energy transition and for reaching Net Zero.
This presentation will focus on the importance of knowledge about minerals and metals in this context. The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion with Ireland-based geologists to bring an Irish perspective to the topic.
Karen Hanghøj is the Director of the British Geological Survey. She is a geologist with extensive experience in research and innovation management and the minerals and metals industry. Karen is passionate about understanding the complexity of resource management, about environmental and social sustainability, and about the role of geoscience in finding solutions to societal challenges. Karen holds a PhD in Geology from University of Copenhagen and has worked with research on geological processes in the lower crust and mantle and their associated mineral deposits, before taking senior leadership roles in research and innovation organisations. She is a member of a range of international committees and working groups.