SCHWEIZERISCHER GEOLOGENVERBAND

Their core work

The Swiss Association of Geologists is a professional body representing geologists across Switzerland, providing domain expertise in subsurface resources, hydrogeology, and mineral exploration. In H2020 projects, they contributed geological knowledge and professional network access as a third-party affiliate, supporting research on raw materials policy, geothermal energy extraction from deep ore bodies, and autonomous mine exploration. Their role reflects that of a national professional association lending sectoral credibility and expert input rather than conducting primary research.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early involvement (2015) focused on broad geological knowledge management — hydrogeology research mapping (KINDRA) and international raw materials cooperation (INTRAW), emphasizing education and policy. By 2016, their participation shifted toward applied subsurface technologies: geothermal energy combined with metal extraction (CHPM2030) and autonomous robotics for mine exploration (UNEXMIN). This suggests a move from policy and knowledge-sharing roles toward more technology-oriented geological applications.

Moving from geological knowledge brokering toward applied technology projects involving deep geothermal resources and robotic exploration — relevant for future mining and energy consortia needing Swiss geological expertise.

How they like to work

They participate exclusively as a third party, meaning they are linked to projects through a direct participant rather than being a full consortium member. This is typical for professional associations that provide expert advisory input, access to member networks, or validation of geological standards. With 62 unique partners across 28 countries, their indirect network reach is substantial — useful for consortia seeking geological community endorsement or dissemination channels in Switzerland.

Despite their third-party role, they are connected to 62 unique consortium partners across 28 countries, giving them a surprisingly wide European and international network rooted in the geology and raw materials research community.

What sets them apart

As a Swiss national geological association, they offer something most research organizations cannot: direct access to a professional community of practicing geologists. For consortium builders, this means built-in dissemination to industry practitioners, credibility in geological assessments, and a bridge between academic research and professional geological practice in Switzerland. Their multilingual nature (German, French, Italian, Romansh) also reflects Switzerland's position as a crossroads for European geological expertise.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CHPM2030
  Unusual combination of geothermal energy and metal extraction from ultra-deep ore bodies — a frontier concept linking energy and raw materials sectors.
• UNEXMIN
  Developed autonomous underwater robots for exploring flooded mines — a high-visibility project combining robotics, geology, and resource recovery.