The past year has been both very exciting and challenging for GESGB, showcasing the strength of our community. Together, we celebrated key milestones, from the success of our flagship events to our 60th Diamond Anniversary, forging connections, sharing knowledge and creating lasting memories.

What’s next for GESGB? Well, that’s up to you, the members! As a member-led Society, you have a hand in steering and shaping what the next two years could look like. So we invite you to stand for council in 2026!

You do not need to be a long-standing member with years of technical experience. You do need an enthusiasm for the industry and a desire to serve the membership. The roles take time and energy but in return you gain valuable knowledge and insight into what makes a Society work and your learning journey may surprise you.

The Council, Volunteers, and Office Team work closely together and share clear ambitions for the Society, we are a member led organisation and all decisions are taken with the needs of the members in mind.

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Nominations for our 2026 council are now closed and it is time to vote for your President Elect.

An opportunity to spend a year deciding what elements of the GESGB you would like to add, change, or improve. Action your ideas as President and maintain the change and support your successor as Past President.

In addition, this role is responsible for the programme of London Lectures for their year as Elect, starting to set the tone for their Presidency in terms of the technical programme they curate. The amount of time you devote to this over and above the Council meeting depends on the individual. This role will maintain a balanced interest in Community, Technical Excellence and Charity.

 

Meet the candidates…   

Alastair Coulthard

I am a Geophysicist by background with 33 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, working with major international companies (BP, Woodside), independents (Serica Energy, KrisEnergy) and Shearwater GeoServices in the seismic sector. I am currently working on new opportunities for low carbon resources and critical minerals. 

I have worked in a range of international environments in technical commercial and management roles, including exploration, development, and production, in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Africa and the U.K.

I believe that good application of geoscience requires constant discussion and exchange of ideas and experience between geoscientists, never more so than now, as the energy transition introduces new concepts and issues with existing and new subsurface evaluation techniques equally required.

I believe my experience, skills and broad international network gathered from many different geoscience environments coupled with my passion for exchange of geoscience ideas and their application, make me a good candidate for the role of President Elect.

 

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Dr. Mike Bourne

My name is Mike Bourne, and I’m currently an exploration geoscientist at bp, with 25 years of experience across our industry. I’ve worked in both Aberdeen and London, and on projects across both the UK Continental Shelf and internationally. My career has spanned the full spectrum of companies—from service providers and AIM-listed explorers to independents and super-majors—giving me a broad and grounded perspective on the geoscience profession. In recent years, I transitioned into data science and spent three years in bp’s new energy division. I understand first-hand how challenging it can be to shift roles, re-skill, and navigate career uncertainty. I also know the value of career mentors, training pathways, and a strong professional network—all of which the GESGB is uniquely placed to provide.

If elected GESGB President, my three-point plan is to:

1. Advocate for geoscience in the energy industry – geoscientists remain essential to delivering future production growth in oil, gas, and emerging energy systems.
2. Strengthen networking and community connections – across companies, career stages, and sectors, the GESGB should remain the hub of our professional community.
3. Support members through transition – by offering relevant career case studies, skills training, and mentoring, the society can help members navigate a rapidly changing industry.

Geoscientists are curious, highly skilled, and essential to solving tomorrow’s energy challenges. I would be honoured to serve as your President, and I’d be grateful for your vote.

 

VOTING OPENS ON MONDAY 3 NOVEMBER, 9AM

Voting will close on Monday 1 December 2025, 5PM

 

We are pleased to welcome Daniel Arnold as Education and Training Director, Emily Walker as Aberdeen Director Elect, Lauren Mayhew as YP Director and Jenni Scott as Outreach Director to the Council for 2026 whose roles were uncontested this year.