GEOTalk: Geoscientist graduate pipeline issues - state of play, and growth opportunities

In recent years, undergraduate geoscience enrolments at universities in New Zealand and globally have diminished substantially. Indeed, University of Geosciences UK and The Geological Society of London reported a 43% decline in geoscience enrolments in the UK since 2014. There are many “push” and “pull” factors involved, including:

(1) a prevailing perception that geoscience is synonymous with mining-induced environmental degradation;

(2) geoscience is associated with the hydrocarbon industry and greenhouse gas emissions;

(3) a misconception that geoscience graduates all work long shifts on FIFO rosters in remote locations in mining; and

(4) attractiveness of other subjects, such as media studies and exercise science.

Some of these issues will be explored, including possible solutions, work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities, provision of line-of-sight pathways to employment, and chartership opportunities in the geosciences.

Speaker:

Martin Brook SFHEA FGS CGeol CMEngNZ (PEngGeol)

Associate Professor of Applied Geology, School of Environment, University of Auckland

Martin directs the master of engineering geology programme at the University of Auckland. His main research interests are focused on land instability issues in the civil and resource sectors. His teaching interests are focused on engineering geology, and developing work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students. He has supervised 65 research students to completion as main supervisor, and brought in >$9.5m in external research funding as PI. He is a Chartered Geologist with the Geological Society of London, a Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Prior to joining the University of Auckland 8 years ago, he worked in the mining and geotechnical sectors in Australia and the UAE, while completing a masters of engineering degree part-time. Prior to that, he was a lecturer at Massey University.

This event is being organised by the Geoeducation, Outreach and International Development Special Interest Group (GeOID SIG). A Zoom link will be sent to all GeOID members.

Not a member? No problem. Log in to the GSNZ website and update your subscription to include the GeOID SIG (it's free!).