ESE Professor awarded prestigious geology medal

Professor Jenny Collier, of the Department of Earth Science and Engineering, has received the 2025 Murchison Medal of The Geological Society.

The Medal – a prestigious prize awarded for significant contribution to 'hard' rock studies – was presented during a ceremony of the 2025 Society Awards, for President’s Day, on 11 June at Burlington House, London, which formally recognised Professor Collier for her exceptional research in marine geophysics and geoscience.

In a press release, the Geological Society said it was ‘thrilled’ to honour the award winners for ‘their significant achievements and contribution to the geoscience community’.

Ground-breaking contributions

Specialising in marine geophysics, Professor Collier’s research spans tectonic evolution, seafloor dynamics, and the interplay between Earth's history and geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. Outside of research, she has previously been the President of the British Geophysical Association, sat on the Natural Environment Research Council’s Science Board and served as an editor for several journals.

As a long-standing faculty member within ESE, Professor Collier’s distinguished work in these fields has not only contributed to the department’s reputation as a world-leader in earth science research and innovation – her academic leadership has also been integral to maintaining its high standards of teaching, mentorship and support of students to help nurture and inspire the future generation of geoscientists.

Lianjun Li, a Marine Geophysics PhD candidate in ESE working with Professor Collier, said: “Jenny is an incredibly dedicated supervisor. Whenever I hit a roadblock in my research, she works with me to troubleshoot every issue and reach a solution together, and I’m especially grateful for how she always shares her expertise generously.

“What amazes me the most is her creative approach to presenting scientific concepts – she has this unique ability to make complex ideas very clear through smart, visual storytelling. These skills in scientific communication have deeply influenced how I think about research, and I believe they’ll benefit me throughout my entire career!”

Earth’s structure and evolution

When it comes to her research, Professor Collier has made significant advancements in understanding the relationship between tectonics and magmatism throughout her career, notably in the study of the structure of the oceanic lithosphere (the rigid part of the Earth’s crust that makes up the seafloor) and continental shelves (the sloping edges of continents that extend underwater).

Her early work involved mapping the magmatic plumbing beneath mid-ocean ridges – the longest chain of volcanoes on the planet – and understanding how the oceanic lithosphere responds when it is weighed down by volcanic islands such as the Canaries.

While focusing on the Indian and South Atlantic Oceans, Professor Collier’s investigation into the pattern of erupting volcanic rocks along the continental margins of these oceans revealed key insights into the thermal conditions that caused the continents to break apart. Ultimately, this is what led to the formation of these vast bodies of water.

Marine science reshaped

Casting an eye further afield, Professor Collier has also probed the slow-spreading oceanic lithosphere subduction at the Lesser Antilles, which highlighted its critical role in Earth’s ‘hidden water system’ – the deep-water cycle – that recycles water between the oceans, crust and mantle, reshaping our understanding of this cycle.

Beyond the lithosphere, one of several prominent projects spearheaded by Professor Collier was the first multibeam bathymetry survey of the UK continental shelf, which uncovered evidence of ancient megafloods that dramatically severed Britain from mainland Europe – a discovery that “not only captured the public’s imagination, but has helped to inform interdisciplinary research into human migrations and early settlement of Britain”, said The Geographical Society.

The discovery has led to a proposal to UNESCO for a Cross-Channel/Transmanche Global Geopark to promote long-term conservation of and community engagement with the geological assets of the English Channel.

Leaving a lasting mark

After more than 25 years at Imperial, Professor Collier continues to leave her mark –exemplifying scientific excellence and bridging fundamental and interdisciplinary research with real-world applications, while inspiring peers and students alike with her commitment to expanding our knowledge of Earth’s dynamic systems.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award in recognition of my lifetime’s work,” she said. “Marine science is all about teamwork and I would like to thank all my past and current colleagues and collaborators.”