The BGA is dedicated to science outreach; in particular we are excited to bring geophysics into schools and colleges to expose young people from an early age to the subject.

A decline in the number of students on undergraduate geophysics courses has led to several course closures, despite the subject’s continued relevance and demand for graduate geophysicists from industry. Why is this happening and what can be done about it? The BGA set out to explore the reasons for this trend through a series of questionnaires aimed at stakeholders along the educational pipeline, from high-school pupils, undergraduates, geophysics graduates, universities and employers. In October 2024, the BGA published an Astronomy & Geophysics paper where they lay out our initial findings and recommendations for how our community can tackle this issue.

As we continue to investigate solutions to declining student numbers, we are keen to support and promote geophysics outreach activities, delivered on all platforms to all ages. If you are organising or thinking of organising a geophysics outreach event, then please get in touch. Please contact the BGA Outreach Officer with any questions, to ask for help or to discuss potential financial support.