The Young Academy Recognises Strong PhD environment at the Department of Geoscience

The PhD environment at the Department of Geoscience has been recognised as a “runner-up” in The Young Academy’s annual Research Environment Prize 2026, in recognition of its strong research environment for early-career researchers.

The PhD environment includes around 25 students working on a broad range of geoscience topics, including palaeoclimatic reconstruction, seismic analysis, and climate mitigation science. Across research groups, a shared community has been built through initiatives such as academic lunch meetings, buddy schemes and social events, which help ensure knowledge exchange and allow new researchers to quickly find their footing.

"We have created an environment where we can share our ideas, challenges and achievements - where we celebrate and support each other through the highs and lows of a PhD," says Sophie Vidal, PhD student, who accepted the recognition on behalf of the group. 

The department has worked strategically to foster an inclusive culture, where early-career researchers thrive and develop across disciplines.

Head of Department Marit-Solveig highlights the importance of this strong pipeline: “Nurturing talent and maintaining a vibrant environment for younger researchers is essential to our department. It is here that we gain the creative energy that drives both our research and our teaching.”

The department will continue its focused efforts to provide strong conditions for high-level research and to support the next generation of researchers in realising their full potential.