Thinking like Hutton: Shaping the next 300 years | In person

Join renowned Professor Iain Stewart FRSE and expert panellists in this evening exploration of James Hutton’s legacy and its continued relevance today. Together, they will examine how Hutton’s interdisciplinary thinking can shape the future of geoscience in the 21st century. The panel will then discuss the balance between interdisciplinary and siloed research, the future of geo-governance and the practical steps needed to address current challenges.
Welcome, refreshments served from 17:30

SPEAKER: Professor Iain Stewart FRSE
Geologist and Television Presenter

Professor Iain Stewart is a geologist who has made huge contributions to the public understanding of earth science. He has a decade-long collaboration with BBC Science, presenting television programmes on the state of the planet, climate change and energy issues. Iain’s public profile allows him to raise awareness of global environmental challenges, both in his role as President of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and through partnerships with agencies such as the British Council and UNESCO. He has been Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at Plymouth University since 2015. In 2013, he was awarded an MBE for services to geology and science communication.

PANELLIST: Luisa Hendry
Geologist, Science Communicator, and Founder of Scot Rock Walks

Luisa Hendry is a Scottish geologist, science communicator, and founder of Scot Rock Walks - Scottish Geology Tours, best known online as @scottishgeologist. With a rapidly growing audience and more than half a million followers across social media platforms, Luisa has become one of Scotland’s leading voices in making geology accessible, entertaining, and relevant to the public.

Luisa developed a fascination with volcanoes and rocks from a young age, but it wasn’t until late secondary school that she discovered geology could be studied academically. Determined to pursue the subject, she entered the University of Glasgow through an alternative pathway, graduating in 2015 with a BSc in Earth Science.

Following her degree, Luisa spent nine years in the engineering geology sector, progressing quickly from graduate roles to senior-level technical and project management positions. Her work took her across Scotland—from the Midland Valley to the Highlands—fueling a deep passion for the country’s geological landscapes and the stories they hold.

In March 2023, Luisa began creating geology content on social media, filling a major gap in Scottish science communication. Her humorous, relatable, and insightful mini-documentaries quickly resonated with audiences, sparking widespread interest in Scotland’s deep-time history. By 2024, Luisa stepped away from her engineering career to focus full-time on public engagement and education.

PANELLIST: Professor Chris Jackson
Technical Director, WSP UK & Ireland Ltd

Chris Jackson is Technical Director at the engineering consultancy WSP and Visiting Professor of Basin Analysis at Imperial College London. Chris is interested in understanding how we can use the Earth’s subsurface to safely store hazardous waste (‘geostorage’) and to develop low-carbon energy resources (‘geoenergy’). When not studying the subsurface of the Earth, Chris gives geoscience lectures to the public and in schools, having appeared on several, Earth Science-focused, television productions and podcasts.

PANELLIST: Dr Katie Strang
Curator of Mineralogy and Petrology, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

Katie is a geologist with an undergraduate degree and MRes from the University of Glasgow and a PhD from Durham University. Since finishing her studies, she has worked in the museum and heritage sector and is the Curator of Mineralogy and Petrology at The Hunterian, University of Glasgow. Her research interests include decolonising earth sciences, Scotland’s industrial heritage, carboniferous palaeontology, and the mineralogy of lime and related materials. She is also the project geologist for the Eco-museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes, a Trustee of The Fossil Grove Trust and volunteered as Director of the annual Scottish Geology Festival from 2022-2025.

CHAIR: Dr Stuart Monro FRSE
Chair, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)

Stuart Monro, Chair of SAMS, has a first-class degree in geology at Aberdeen University and PhD from Edinburgh University. His early career with the BGS involved mapping and applying geological data to environmental issues. He was Scientific Director of the Scottish Consortium for Rural Research, fostering collaboration in rural research and founding Scientific Director of Dynamic Earth helping the public engage with the processes that shaped the Earth, Earth Science tutor with the Open University (OU), Trustee of the National Museums Scotland and the first Independent Co-Chair of the Scottish Science Advisory Council. He was a member of the OU Council, the Court of Edinburgh University and its vice-convener, Deputy Chair and subsequently Acting Senior Lay Member of Court at St Andrews University and involved in drafting the 2017 Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance. He is an Honorary Professor at Edinburgh University and served twice as President of the RSSA and the Edinburgh Geological Society and as a non-executive Director of Edinburgh Science. He has an OBE for services to science, the Distinguished Service Award of the Geological Society, honorary doctorates from the Open, Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh and St Andrews universities and an honorary fellowship from the RSGS.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+
• Privacy policy: Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.
• Filming: Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

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