Hydrogeologists from around the world gathered in Birmingham to celebrate more than 50 years of hydrogeology at the University. The reunion brought together former MSc and PhD students from 1973 onwards to meet, share memories and celebrate the University’s lasting contribution to groundwater science.
In its 50+ years, the Birmingham MSc programme has produced almost 1,000 graduates and gained a global reputation for the quality of its alumni and their ability to “hit the ground running” in their first jobs. Many have gone on to leadership roles in the global water industry, while others became researchers and professors at leading universities worldwide.
The event was well attended and brought together everyone from Professor John Lloyd, who founded the course in 1973, to the current MSc class, who led the campus tours. Current staff, including Professor John Tellam and Dr Simiao Sun, were also present. IAH British Chapter Chair Harriet Carlyle, a Birmingham graduate, described the event as a wonderful opportunity to catch up with colleagues. She highlighted the strong sense of community within the hydrogeological profession and thanked the organisers for a brilliant day.
The event was a fitting celebration of Birmingham’s long-standing contribution to hydrogeology and the many careers and collaborations it has helped to inspire. However, two questions remain unanswered: Is this the longest-running hydrogeology MSc course in the world? And what is the best collective noun for hydrogeologists?
