Clean energy beneath our feet: Insights from our geothermal journey

Event details

World Geothermal Day lecture

Join us at the University of York to celebrate World Geothermal Energy Day 2026! 

This free public event will include an opportunity to explore Clean Energy Beneath our Feet, a brand new interactive exhibition curated by the British Geological Survey which takes a closer look at the potential of geothermal energy as part of a cleaner energy future.

The exhibition will be followed by a talk by our FutureSource team and an expert panel of speakers, sharing insights as we prepare to begin work on-site at Campus East. Learn more about how this groundbreaking geothermal project aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption at the University and in turn, lower the City of York’s overall carbon footprint. 

Who should attend?

The event is open to all! Whether you’re curious about the geothermal project on Campus East, a student, a York resident or keen to understand the future of sustainable heat and power, do come along.

• 6pm - 6:30pm - View the exhibition, Clean Energy Beneath our Feet in collaboration with the British Geological Survey - Biology Block T atrium.
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm - Talk - Biology Block K, Dianna Bowles lecture theatre B/K/018. 

About the speakers

Paul Bushnell is a Chartered Engineer with over 35 years of experience. He has led and managed numerous multidisciplinary engineering and infrastructure projects. He is Project Director for the University of York’s Deep Geothermal scheme. His work is central to the university’s decarbonisation strategy and the delivery of sustainable, low-carbon infrastructure. 

Michael Dillon is Commercial Director at Marriott Drilling Group and an experienced engineering and commercial professional with expertise in project management, contract management, business development, tendering and bid management across the energy, utilities and construction sectors. Having progressed through a variety of engineering, contracts and commercial leadership roles within Marriott Drilling, he now leads the company's strategic growth, business development and contract delivery activities, supporting major drilling projects across the UK and international markets.

Mark Griffiths is a Chartered Hydrogeologist and Associate at Arup, a global engineering and sustainability development consultancy providing engineering, design, and advisory services across the built and natural environment. Mark specialises in geothermal energy and groundwater systems. With over 15 years of experience in consultancy and industry, Mark helps develop sustainable heating and cooling solutions that harness geothermal energy. Mark has worked on geothermal projects across the UK and internationally, supporting universities, local authorities and developers in the transition to low-carbon energy. 

Matt Thompson is the Senior Technical Engineer in the University of York Estates Department and Project Manager for the Deep Geothermal Part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. He has a background as a Marine Engineer / Naval Architect and is now a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with the IMechE with over 10 years industry experience. 

Chair: Professor Kieran Gibson was appointed as Associate Pro-ViceChancellor (Integrated Infrastructure) in 2024, tasked with helping deliver much of the capital infrastructure programme of the University. Among his responsibilities, he chairs the University Energy Management Group and is a member of the Sustainability Executive Board. His academic background is in the science and engineering of fusion energy – the energy that powers the sun and the stars - seeking to provide sustainable sources of energy for the future.