Bill Gaskarth

In recognition of his major contribution to the development and wide recognition of the status of professional geologists both nationally and internationally, the Geological Society of London (the Society or GSL) wishes to propose Dr JW (Bill) Gaskarth for award of the EFG Medal of Merit in 2018.

Bill, as he is universally known, was appointed as GSL’s first Chartership Officer in 2009 and was pivotal to the development and strengthening of the Chartership process within the Geological Society.

Bill has worked strenuously and tirelessly to promote chartership in the geological community, from the early days of the Institution of Geologists (he was a Council member for 3 terms between 1980 and 1991 and sat on its External Relations Committee during that period) to the present day. He has played a key part in generally raising the standing of geology as a profession, to the extent that Chartered Geologists are now recognised as being on an equal footing with, for example, Chartered Engineers.

Enhancement of the standing and reputation of the profession;
Through the establishment and vigorous promotion of training of early career geologists, an increasingly large number of international multidisciplinary organisations have been persuaded to develop and provide accredited training schemes, in recognition of the important role of geology to so many engineering and scientific endeavours. He spent over 40 years on the academic staff of several universities in the UK and abroad from the mid-1960s to the mid 2000s, introducing and promoting geology to young people in his lectures.
Promotion of the role of geology to those outside the profession;
The huge and sustained contribution made by Bill towards the title of Chartered Geologist being sought on an international basis, has undeniably exerted a significant and highly beneficial impact on the pursuit of professionalism within the EFG community.

Influence on the way the European profession is viewed;
The recognition of the professional status of geologists has been steadily increased over the years since Bill has been the Chartership Officer of the Society. His organised and steady improvement to the whole chartership process, represents a highly significant advancement to it. This has involved a thorough reorganisation of all aspects of the process, including an increase in the number and location of interviews, improved documentation for applicants, sponsors and scrutineers, as well as introducing accreditation of degree courses and of company training schemes, mentorship for aspiring professional geologists, auditing of interviews, deferral reviewers and The Chartered Fellows Newsletter. His involvement with the IG and then the GSL played an important and influential part in the formation of EFG.

Significant contribution to the organisation of the profession;
Bill has served the profession of geology for his entire working life, initially in industry and then academia, before becoming closely involved with and leading efforts in promoting and facilitating professional qualifications via peer review of geologists. Service of substantial duration.
In the light of his long-term commitment, exemplified by his exceptional and distinguished contribution to the geological profession, the Society considers that Dr Gaskarth would be a very worthy recipient of the EFG Medal of Merit.

EurGeol John Talbot CGeol CSci FGS

Vice-President, Chartership, GSL

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