The Early Career Geologist Award 2026 - National Final

The Early Career Geologist Award 2026 - National Final
Including the Early Career Network AGM and post-event networking social

Sponsored by AtkinsRéalis

Join us to determine the Geological Society of London's Early Career Geologist of 2026 and celebrate our award finalists!

The ECN will also hold its AGM during the event, and an informal networking session at a local venue to Burlington House will follow.

There is an option to join the event virtually, for all those that cannot join us in person.

6 finalists will presenting on a range of geoscience topics, from landslides, to climate, and contaminated land - you don't want to miss it!

What is the Early Career Geologist Award?

The Early Career Geologist Award is an annual competition that is designed to showcase the talent and skills of individuals who are still in the early stages of their respective geoscience careers. Following the preliminary heats, run by the Society's various Regional Groups, we're hosting the National Finals at The Geological Society, Burlington House, London.

The award is open to all early career (<10 years experience) geoscientists in academia, government, industry and working elsewhere in geoscience.

The 2026 Finalists are:

Western Regional Group - Ajantha Kirupakaran (Geosyntec)
When Ground Conditions Defy Expectations: The Role of Detailed Geological Investigation in Contaminated Land Risk

West Midlands Regional Group - Zoe Tanswell (AtkinsRealis)
The Impact of Climate Change on the Reactivation of the Coastal Landslide Complex between Lyme Regis and Charmout

Northwest Regional Group - Tighe Stapely (Arup)
A Ground Investigation Scoping Story

South Wales Regional Group - TBC

ECN Wildcard - TBC

This year the Early Career Geologist Award will be judged by:

Remaining judges to be announced in May

This year the winner of the competition will receive this limestone plate which will include engraving with "Early Career Geologist Award, Winner 2026" as well as £100 voucher.

All finalists will receive one year complementary fellowship with the Geological Society of London.

Info: Joint hosted by the Early Career Network, Contaminated Land Group (EC), Hydrogroup (EC), Engineering Group (EC), Energy Group (EC)

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Host or Publisher Early Career Network, Geological Society