Lecturer from Camborne School of Mines secures prestigious award

Dr Hughes, from the Camborne School of Mines – based at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus – received the prestigious award in recognition of her research excellence.

She will receive the prize, which includes a £500 award, at a special ceremony to mark the Society’s President’s Day on June 6 2018. The annual event, held at Burlington House, gives attendees the opportunity to view short talks and presentations from the recipients of the Society’s major medal award winners.

Speaking about the award, Dr Hughes said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been honoured with this award from the Geological Society. Thank you to those who nominated me and to the Society. I’m privileged to work with my research colleagues and collaborators, and I am indebted to them for their ongoing support. Recognition from the Geological Society means a great deal to me and this award is something that I will always cherish.”

Dr Hughes is an economic geologist and geochemist, whose research aims to understand the underlying controls for mineralisation by using the ancient histories of the Earth’s crust to predict its metallic ‘fingerprints’. Hannah also researches the generation and mitigation of gases in igneous rocks, which are particularly hazardous in some underground mines.

Professor Kip Jeffrey, Head of the Camborne School of Mines said: “We are delighted that Hannah has been bestowed with this prestigious award.  It is a testament not only to her hard work and dedication to her research, but also to the innovative and inventive approach that she employs.”

Since 1831, The Geological Society of London has been awarding medals and funds for significant achievement in the Earth Sciences. The very first Senior Medal, the Wollaston, was awarded to William Smith, who first made the geological map of the UK. The William Smith Fund is awarded for excellence in contributions to applied and economic aspects of geoscience.

The William Smith Fund is given to early career geoscientists who have made excellent contributions to geoscience research and its application, in the UK and internationally. Recipients must be within ten years (full time equivalent) of the award of their first degree in geoscience or a cognate subject.