Call for Papers and Registration are now open!

It is our GREAT pleasure to announce the details of the Geological Curators Group Winter Seminar and AGM!

Theme: Reciprocal Relationships: how can partnerships help us and our collections develop?

The Winter Seminar will focus on building and maintaining relationships between individuals, institutions and networks. By working together and sharing knowledge, we benefit from collective experience. But what works and what doesn’t? How should this knowledge be disseminated? We are looking for presentations that encompass the following themes, from anyone who works, volunteers or has an interest in geological collections:

• • • Citizen Science
    • Cross-department endeavours
    • Collecting networks/local groups
    • Community outreach
    • Multi-museum partnerships
    • Research collaborations
    • Subject Specialist Networks (SSNs)
    • Volunteer projects

Venue: Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Dates: 11^th-13^th November 2024, including evening icebreaker, presentations, workshops, AGM, informal networking pub dinner, and field trip.

Please send abstracts of less than 250 words to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating whether it is for an oral or poster presentation. Presenters will be invited to submit papers to the Geological Curator.

Deadline for abstracts: 14^th October 2024

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Outline programme for the event

Monday 11th November 18:30-20:30: "Drinking with dinosaurs" - An evening icebreaker in the spectacular central court of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (home to the original specimens of Megalosaurus, amongst many other treasures), plus the chance to go on behind-the-scenes tours of the collections.

Tuesday 12th November: "Reciprocal relationships" - Our main seminar, where we will discuss building and maintaining relationships between individuals, institutions and networks, what works, and what doesn't. The last order of the day is to hold our 51st AGM, where the committee will update you on our activities over the past year. 

After wrapping up the AGM, we will be venturing into central Oxford, a 10-15 minute walk away, for an informal networking dinner together. Please indicate on your booking if you would like to join us. Mains will be between £15 and £20 depending on what you order. Payable directly to the venue.

Wednesday 13th November: "Bathonian beasts and building stones" - In provided transport, we will explore some of the geology of Oxfordshire, classic Jurassic sites around Kirtlington to examine the limestones and clays of the Great Oolite Group (Middle Jurassic, c. 165 Ma) famous for dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles and especially early mammals. After lunch, which will be provided, local experts will lead us on a guided walk around Hook Norton to look at some of the best accessible examples of Banbury ironstone as well as the fascinating local industrial history. 

The day will start and end at Oxford University Museum of Natural History, with all other travel included. 

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Travel notes

• Oxford is easily reached by road and rail from other parts of the UK
• The Museum is A 15 minute walk from the train station and from central Oxford. The roads are generally flat
• Drivers are advised not to enter the city - there is usually heavy traffic and parking is restricted. However, there are a number of excellent Park & Ride facilities around the outskirts of the city
• You are welcome to use your own transport for the field trip, at your own risk. As the prices have been calculated to cover the costs of providing transport, GCG are not able to offer a discount on this rate