Energy Transition Gains Momentum with New Honorary Professor at University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen Strengthens Geoscience Leadership with Appointment of BGS’s Kathryn Goodenough

The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, stands as one of Scotland’s four ancient universities and the fifth-oldest in the English-speaking world. Known for its excellence in teaching and interdisciplinary research. With a strong global outlook, Aberdeen is recognised for its contributions to energy transition, soil science, and international collaboration, and consistently ranks among the UK’s top universities for student satisfaction and sustainability. In line with its growing expertise in science and research, the University of Aberdeen has appointed Dr Kathryn Goodenough, Head of International – Regional Geoscience at the British Geological Survey (BGS), as an honorary professor. This appointment is expected to strengthen collaborative efforts in academic research, particularly in the areas of critical minerals and the wider energy transition.

Dr Goodenough’s work spans international research and capacity building, and she has led several high-impact projects, including Lithium for Future Technology (LiFT), EURARE, and HiTech AlkCarb. Each of these initiatives investigates rare earth element (REE) deposits that are essential to clean energy systems. The LiFT project, funded by NERC, examines the full geological lifecycle of lithium—from its mobilisation in the Earth’s crust to its concentration in economically viable deposits, supporting the development of sustainable supply chains for battery technologies and electric vehicles.

Similarly, the EURARE initiative, supported by the European Commission, aimed to establish a secure and environmentally responsible REE industry within Europe by identifying promising deposits and advancing extraction techniques that minimise ecological impact. Meanwhile, HiTech AlkCarb focused on developing new geomodels and exploration methods for alkaline igneous rocks and carbonatites, which host critical raw materials such as niobium, scandium, and REEs. The project also facilitated knowledge exchange between Europe and Africa, helping to build global expertise in sustainable mineral exploration.

Collectively, these projects reflect Dr Goodenough’s commitment to advancing innovation in science and resource resilience, an area increasingly vital to engineering universities, medical technology supply chains, and the broader energy transition. University officials noted that the honorary role builds on Dr Goodenough’s existing teaching contributions, particularly through the undergraduate course on UN Sustainable Development Goals and geoscience. Her expertise in lithium and REEs is seen as a strategic asset to the university’s Centre for Energy Transition, which shares thematic overlap with the BGS-led Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre.

Senior faculty members, including the Vice Chancellor, emphasised that Dr Goodenough’s appointment comes at a time when geosciences are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of health sciences, clean energy, and global resource governance. Her work is expected to complement ongoing initiatives in research roles, interdisciplinary fellowships, and graduate-level training in engineering and innovation. Professor Dave Muirhead, Head of the School of Geosciences, remarked that Dr Goodenough had already collaborated with several university researchers and that her honorary role would deepen those ties. He highlighted that her insights into critical minerals and their geopolitical relevance would enhance the university’s position within the UK’s energy transition landscape.

In addition to her research leadership, Dr Goodenough serves as chief editor of the Earth Science, Systems and Society journal, published by the Geological Society. Earlier this year, she was awarded the prestigious Coke Medal, which recognises contributions to innovation in science and activities that benefit the wider community. In 2020, she was also named among the top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by Women in Mining UK, further underscoring her influence in shaping the future of sustainable resource development. Although the University of Aberdeen is not part of Oxford, UK or the University of Oxford, the appointment reflects a broader trend among technology and engineering universities across the UK in leveraging geoscience expertise to support the energy transition. As institutions like Oxford Uni continue to lead in biomedical engineering, medical science, and academic research, Aberdeen’s strategic focus on minerals and sustainability adds a complementary dimension to the national innovation ecosystem.

The announcement has been featured in the university newsletter, highlighting the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, graduate training in geoscience, and the evolving role of engineering universities in addressing global challenges. This appointment reinforces the value of cross-sector expertise in advancing sustainable innovation and energy resilience.

Editor’s Note

This announcement marks a significant moment for the University of Aberdeen’s research community. The appointment of Dr Kathryn Goodenough as an honorary professor brings international expertise and a proven track record of leadership in geoscience innovation. As Head of International – Regional Geoscience at the British Geological Survey (BGS), Dr Goodenough has led major NERC- and EU-funded projects including Lithium for Future Technology (LiFT), EURARE, and HiTech AlkCarb, each advancing our understanding of rare earth elements and their role in clean energy systems. Her work has shaped global strategies for sustainable mineral sourcing, with LiFT exploring the geological lifecycle of lithium, EURARE laying the groundwork for a secure European REE industry, and HiTech AlkCarb developing new exploration models for critical raw materials. These projects have not only contributed to academic research but have also informed policy, industry practice, and international capacity building.

Dr Goodenough’s appointment is expected to deepen the university’s engagement with the energy transition, particularly through its Centre for Energy Transition and its collaboration with the BGS-led Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre. Her expertise in critical minerals and resource governance will enhance interdisciplinary research, support graduate training, and expand the university’s global reach in sustainability science. Her recognition as chief editor of the Earth Science, Systems and Society journal, recipient of the Geological Society’s Coke Medal, and inclusion in the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining reflect a career defined by excellence, impact, and leadership.

Skoobuzz sees this appointment not just as an honour, but as a turning point that will help the University of Aberdeen become a leader in sustainable resource research and energy innovation.