Hutton honorary fellow awarded Collins Medal for applied mineralogical research

"It is a fitting accolade for the contributions he has made to applied mineralogy since becoming an Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute

Professor Jeff Wilson, Honorary Research Fellow of the James Hutton Institute, has been presented with the Collins Medal at the President’s Lunch of the Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

The accolade is awarded not only for excellence in the mineral sciences but also for the applications of these sciences. It recognises Professor Wilson’s applications of mineralogy in the petroleum industry, particularly regarding the relationship of clay mineralogy to shale instability and formation damage, problems which cost the industry billions of pounds per year.

With over 40 years of experience in research on the chemistry and mineralogy of soils and rocks, Professor Wilson was head of the Division of Soils and Soil Microbiology at the Macaulay Institute before becoming an Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute.

He has published over 200 papers and compiled and edited five books, three of which were done after his retirement in 1997. His latest book, published by the Geological Society of London in 2013, is increasingly recognised as a standard textbook on clay minerals. Professor Wilson also has experience of soils in many different countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, both in working visits and collaboration with visiting researchers.

Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the Institute, said: “We are delighted that Jeff has been distinguished with the Collins Medal. It is a fitting accolade for the contributions he has made to applied mineralogy since becoming an Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute.”

On receiving the award Professor Wilson commented: “My work would not have been possible had it not been for the support I have received in using the Institute’s facilities and the unstinting help from Institute staff, for all of which I am grateful. I intend to pursue my endeavours as long as I am able to.”