About
The Geomicrobiology Network, formally ratified as a special interest group of the Mineralogical Society in March 2014, sits at the interface between geology and the biosciences. Research areas include astrobiology, bioenergetics, bioleaching, biomineralisation, bionanotechnology, bioremediation, bioweathering, deep biosphere, environmental genomics, geomycology, microbe-metal/radionuclide interactions, microbial fuel cells and structural biology. The network seeks to support researchers in the field of Geomicrobiology and to improve the interface between UK academia and industry (nuclear, petroleum, mining, environmental sectors) and major international groups in our field. The network is managed by a committee of researchers and industry representatives. The current committee members can be viewed here. The Chair of the Geomicrobiology Network sits on the Mineralogical Society Council. In this capacity, the Geomicrobiology Network also helps steer Mineralogical Society activities and contributes to the awarding of Mineralogical Society bursaries, prizes and medals, and positions on the Society Council.
Activities
The Geomicrobiology Network holds Research in Progress (RiP) meetings annually. The meetings provide opportunities for networking between members and discussion of work in progress. Particular focus is on supporting early career researchers working in the field of Geomicrobiology.
The 2025 Geomicrobiology Network Research In Progress Meeting will be held at the Natural History Museum London on Tuesday October 7th and Wednesday, October 8th 2025.
We welcome posters and talks (in-person and online) from across the broad spectrum of Geomicrobiology-related research e.g. biogeochemistry, biomineralization, microbial ecology, astrobiology etc.
Abstract submissions are now open and will close on August 15th. Abstract template can be found here.
Registration is free. Student travel bursaries will be available upon application (see below).
Please complete the GMBN RiP2025 Registration form by September 5th.
A reception will be held Tuesday evening, Oct. 7th (location/time details TBA).
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Student travel bursaries
We are pleased to offer travel bursaries to students wishing to travel to this year’s Geomicrobiology Network Research in Progress Meeting in London; or to the International Society for Environmental Biogeochemistry conference in Dublin which the network is supporting.
To apply, please complete the GMBN travel bursary application form and send to gmbn@minersoc.org by August 29th 2025.
The amount awarded will depend on the number of applications, so please provide a reasonable estimate of the total cost of your trip.
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In 2020/2021 the network held an online seminar series showcasing research in UK Geomicrobiology. The presentations from this series are archived here
Keep up to date with activities of the Geomicrobiology Network by following us on twitter @GeomicrobioNet