Dr. Michiel van der Meulen, a distinguished figure in the field of geology, has been awarded the 2025 Medal of Merit by the European Federation of Geologists (EFG). The Medal of Merit is awarded to individuals who, in the view of the Council of the EFG, have provided exceptional and distinguished contributions to the EFG or to the geological profession in Europe.
The award ceremony took place during the closure ceremony of the 5th International Professional Geology Congress (5th IPGC) in Zaragoza (Spain) on 7 November, at 16:30 CET.
Picture: EFG President David Govoni and Michiel van der Meulen
Additionally, Michiel served as the headline speaker and delivered the keynote address, ‘Shifting Grounds, New Horizons – Geology in Times of Change,’ at the 5th IPGC on the morning of 7 November 2025.
Michiel is among the most outstanding geologists of the Netherlands, and actively involved with the European Federation of Geologists. As Chief Geologist of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands, he is committed to a wide range of topics such as geohazards, economic geology, and geological mapping. In addition, he is prominently involved in promoting our profession among all ranks of society, from ministers to high school students, advocating the role of geosciences in urgent topics like the energy transition and climate change.
At the European level, Michiel has been involved with EFG for many years. He has been a Delegate for the Royal Geological and Mining Society of the Netherlands (KNGMG) to the EFG since 2012, and actively participated in the EFG Council Meetings ever since. Michiel was involved in several tasks supporting the EFG Board, including the hiring of the Executive Director in 2019, increasing the visibility of the EFG using his extensive network, proposing just and proportional actions when Russia invaded Ukraine, and reviewing the financial statements of the EFG. He actively cooperated with the ‘geology for society’ initiative by translating the manuscript into Dutch and shared it actively within the government of the Netherlands after the presentation at the European Parliament in Brussels. His positive, constructive, and critical attitude have helped to define solutions for the challenges that the EFG has found on its path during the last 15 years including the crisis as a result of the pandemic. He has been effective through his consistent presence, open-minded approach, and balanced voice during Council Meetings. These qualities have earned him a respected and prominent position among EFG members.
Furthermore, Michiel has been at the forefront of promoting the European Geologist (EurGeol) title. In 2016, he proposed that all senior staff responsible for signing off on reports at the Geological Survey of the Netherlands should apply for the EurGeol title, setting an example for other national surveys across Europe.
In addition to his work with the EFG, Michiel has been actively involved with EuroGeoSurveys. He contributed to the OneGeology and GeoERA programmes, developing pan-European solutions through the harmonisation of geological definitions, foundations that KNGMG considers fundamental to EuroGeoSurveys’ current success.
Michiel is recognised far beyond the Netherlands as an influential professional. One of his major achievements has been the modernisation of geological mapping. Going from paper to 3D or even 4D modelling. The implementation of these data driven models have had a great impact beyond the Netherlands and our profession. Inspiring other countries to use similar methods that includes open access to the models and data. This ‘dare to share’ principle has made geological information accessible for other professions and public use that is unprecedented and even an example for other professions. This has significantly enhanced the use of geological knowledge, of which the impact cannot be overestimated.
Michiel obtained his geology degree from Utrecht University (1994), after which he enrolled at the same university as a PhD-researcher. After finishing his PhD in 1999, he worked for a couple of years at the Department of Waterways and Public Works on sustainable sourcing of sand for coastal protection and the built environment, before starting at the Geological Survey of the Netherlands as an applied geological researcher. From 2006 onwards, Michiel has held several management positions, first at the departments of Coastal and Marine, Applied Morphodynamics, and Geomodelling, later in the Board of Directors of the Survey. In 2011, he was appointed as Chief Geologist, making him responsible for all the technical output of the survey, stakeholder engagement, and public communication. His communicative skills are exemplified by numerous press releases and media appearances, as well as his role as guest-lecturer on geology at several Dutch universities. Michiel is a sought-after presenter and delivers key-note lectures at conferences for professionals, next to this he often presents his work for the general public. This shows his talent as an outstanding communicator. Based on his exceptional career, KNGMG invited Michiel in 2018 to give the annual honorary Staring lecture, which Michiel dedicated to 100-years of geological mapping in the Netherlands.
Congratulations to Michiel van der Meulen!
