Posted on 21 November 2025
A dedicated group of students from the University of York, along with students from Leeds and Durham, were selected to support our seismic survey, an important early step in the University’s deep geothermal project.
Throughout November, a seismic survey took place across Campus East and surrounding areas, delivered by specialist contractors Echo Geo. The survey marks an important early step in the University’s deep geothermal project, helping to create a detailed 3D map of the ground and improve our understanding of the size, shape and depth of the geothermal reservoir beneath the campus.
To support the work, Echo Geo recruited students from the University of York, alongside GeoScience or GeoPhysics students from the University of Leeds and Durham University. Tasks included delivering information leaflets to local properties and helping to place and collect thousands of seismic sensors across the survey area.
The opportunity attracted significant interest, with more than 250 applications in just 24 hours. A final group of 29 students from three universities were selected for paid roles, representing a wide range of disciplines including geophysics, natural sciences, engineering, robotics, human geography, environment, biotechnology and archaeology.
Students began by distributing explainer packs to households within the survey area, providing advance notice of the seismic activity and directing residents to further information. Students then received training and safety briefings before heading out in teams, each led by an Echo Geo specialist, to deploy seismic nodes along the survey routes. Using GPS equipment, students helped position, set up and bury the sensors, contributing to the deployment of 4800 nodes across a 30km radius.
Many students described the experience as an inspiring and memorable opportunity to gain hands-on field skills.
"Being part of the recent geothermal project with the University of York was an exciting opportunity to look at integrating renewable energy into the university campus and surrounding areas,” said Trixie Green (Human Geography and Environment, University of York). “I was given the chance to get hands-on experience through node deployment. This allowed me to deepen my understanding about geothermal energy and it was also a great opportunity to meet and work alongside new people."
Reece Sharp (BSc Geology, Durham University) added:
“Taking part in the seismic survey gave me real field experience and insight into how seismic nodes are used to map the subsurface. Seeing how field data is collected on a large scale was fascinating, and working as part of a coordinated field team made the practical challenge especially rewarding. Overall, it was memorable to see how a professional seismic survey operates from start to finish on a project with real environmental impact.”
For Nada Abdelaziz (Pre-Master’s in Science and Engineering, University of York), the project offered valuable new skills.
“Taking part in the seismic survey was a completely new experience for me, and I genuinely enjoyed the adventure of it, from the teamwork to the process of planting the nodes in the field. It gave me new skills, valuable knowledge, and a really memorable experience that I’m grateful to have been part of.”
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A huge thank you to all the students who contributed to this key stage of the geothermal project, and to the many students who showed a strong interest in taking part.