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Professor Frances Wall, who has been awarded the Geological Society of London’s William Smith Medal for 2019.

CSM professor receives prestigious award

Professor Frances Wall has been awarded the Geological Society of London’s William Smith Medal for 2019.

Frances, a Professor of Applied Mineralogy at the Camborne School of Mines, based at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, is bestowed with the prestigious award for her distinguished achievement in the field of applied geology.

Professor Wall will receive the award, at a special ceremony to mark the Society’s President’s Day on June 6 2019. The annual event, held at Burlington House, gives attendees the opportunity to view short talks and presentations from the recipients of the Society’s major medal award winners.

The William Smith medal is given for international excellence in contributions to applied and economic aspects of geoscience. Awardees must have initiated significant contributions, which will normally take the form of published papers and verifiable achievements in the application of geoscience.

Professor Wall said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the William Smith Medal from the Geological Society.

"The award is also a testament to the dedication and inventive work carried out by colleagues at the Camborne School of Mines and collaborating national and international partners. Our recent work on responsible supply of raw materials for clean technologies has been an exciting journey combining geology skills with other research disciplines and working with industry partners."

Professor Kip Jeffrey, Head of the Camborne School of Mines said: “We are delighted that Frances’ exceptional and pioneering work has been recognised through this award. Her innovative and pioneering work throughout her career has ensured that Frances is, rightly, recognised as one of the leading academics in her field and I am thrilled that she has received the William Smith Medal.”

Founded in 1807, the Geological Society of London is the oldest geological society in the world. Today, it is a world-leading communicator of Earth science – through its scholarly publishing, library and information services, cutting-edge scientific conferences, education activities and outreach to the general public.

It also provides impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy-making and public debate about the challenges facing humanity.

Date: 4 March 2019