About
The Geomicrobiology Network, formally ratified as a special interest group of the Mineralogical Society in March 2014, sits at the interface between geology and the biosciences. Research areas include astrobiology, bioenergetics, bioleaching, biomineralisation, bionanotechnology, bioremediation, bioweathering, deep biosphere, environmental genomics, geomycology, microbe-metal/radionuclide interactions, microbial fuel cells and structural biology. The network seeks to support researchers in the field of Geomicrobiology and to improve the interface between UK academia and industry (nuclear, petroleum, mining, environmental sectors) and major international groups in our field. The network is managed by a committee of researchers and industry representatives. The current committee members can be viewed here. The Chair of the Geomicrobiology Network sits on the Mineralogical Society Council. In this capacity, the Geomicrobiology Network also helps steer Mineralogical Society activities and contributes to the awarding of Mineralogical Society bursaries, prizes and medals, and positions on the Society Council.
Activities
The Geomicrobiology Network holds Research in Progress (RiP) meetings annually. The meetings are typically one-day, providing opportunities for networking between members and discussion of work in progress. Particular focus is on supporting early career researchers working in the field of Geomicrobiology. The network covers all meeting costs..
The 2023 Research in Progress meeting will be held jointly with the Environmental Minerals Group (EMG) on 7 – 8th September in Limerick, Ireland. Please see here for details.
In 2020/2021 the network held an online seminar series showcasing research in UK Geomicrobiology. The presentations from this series are archived here
Keep up to date with activities of the Geomicrobiology Network by following us on twitter @GeomicrobioNet
Grants and Bursaries
The Geomicrobiology Network offer bursaries to early career researchers who are members of the Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland to support attendance at the annual Research in Progress (RiP) meetings.
Eligible members who are presenting work at the RiP can apply for up to £200 towards the costs of travel and accommodation. Application forms can be accessed here.
Applications will be considered by the Geomicrobiology Network Committee against the following criteria:
- The applicant is an early career researcher (undergraduate/postgraduate student or postdoctoral researcher)
- The applicant has submitted an abstract to the RiP (for either an oral or poster presentation)
- Attendance at the RiP will provide a clear benefit to the applicant’s research or personal development
- A supporting statement from the applicant’s supervisor/line manager/head of department stating the necessity of attendance for the applicant’s personal development has been provided
The current round of applications for attendance at the 2023 RiP meeting (7th and 8th September in Limerick) will close on 14th July 2023.
Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome of their application approximately one month after the closing date.
Applicants will be notified of an awarded grant via email.
Awarded funds will be refunded to the applicant’s nominated account by bank transfer within one month of an award claim being made.
Grant recipients are responsible for their own accommodation and travel bookings.
Enquiries should be made by email to gmbn@minersoc.org