Michiel van der Meulen Receives Prestigious European Award for Earth Scientists

Published on 10 November 2025

On 7 November, during the 5th International Professional Geology Congress (IPGC) in Zaragoza, Michiel van der Meulen, Chief Geologist at the Geological Survey of the Netherlands, was awarded the prestigious Medal of Merit by the European Federation of Geologists (EFG). This distinction is granted to individuals who have made an exceptional and long-standing contribution to the field of geology or to the EFG itself.

Michiel van der Meulen ontvangt award

A Geologist with Impact

The EFG praises Michiel van der Meulen as one of the most influential geologists in the Netherlands, with an impressive track record at both national and European level. His work spans geological hazards and economic geology to geological modelling and public communication.

“His positive, constructive and critical attitude has helped to find solutions to the challenges the EFG has faced over the past 15 years, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to his steady presence, open-mindedness and balanced voice during Council meetings, he has proved exceptionally effective. These qualities have earned him a respected and prominent position within the EFG community,” the federation stated.

Science with Societal Value

Michiel is known as a bridge-builder between science and society. He has a rare ability to make complex geological topics accessible to a wide audience – from ministers to school pupils. “I am passionate about the geosciences and the many ways in which they can serve society,” he says. He led the modernisation of geological mapping in the Netherlands, transforming it into 3D – and even 4D – models, with open access to the underlying data. The systematic ‘dare to share’ approach of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands has been adopted internationally and is now considered an example of best practice. At present, Michiel is focusing on expanding and modernising the geological information infrastructure for the deep subsurface. His next ambition is to achieve the same progress in the groundwater domain. He is also preparing for the much-needed geological mapping of the Caribbean Netherlands.

From Fieldwork with His Father to Chief Geologist

His passion for geology began early: “My father was also a geologist. Our family holidays were his fieldwork trips in southern Europe. When I was big and strong enough to carry samples and handle a pickaxe, I started helping out. That’s how I came to see geological research as a way to bring lost worlds back to life – and that proved addictive.” After completing his studies and PhD at Utrecht University, Michiel worked for Rijkswaterstaat on Dutch construction materials policy. Since 2003, he has been with TNO – initially as a geological researcher and, from 2006 onwards, in several managerial roles. In 2011, he was appointed Chief Geologist, responsible for the delivery, quality and development of the public information services of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands.

“I came to see geological research as a way to bring lost worlds back to life – and that proved addictive.”
“I came to see geological research as a way to bring lost worlds back to life – and that proved addictive.”

European Collaboration and Leadership

Within the EFG, Michiel has been active since 2012 as a delegate representing the Royal Geological and Mining Society of the Netherlands (KNGMG). He has played a key role in strengthening the federation – from helping appoint the Executive Director and increasing the EFG’s visibility, to formulating proportionate responses to the invasion of Ukraine.

He also championed the promotion of the European Geologist (EurGeol) title. Making this title mandatory for Geological Survey staff responsible for producing and releasing public geological information has since become a model for other national geological surveys.

Reflection and Vision for the Future

When asked how he felt about his nomination, Michiel replied: “I was rather surprised. I’m usually focused on what we can achieve as an organisation or as a professional community. A medal puts me as an individual in the spotlight, and that makes me a bit shy – which I normally am not.”

He is proud of what the Geological Survey of the Netherlands has achieved: “I’m proud of the growth we’ve achieved and that, as in 2020, we’ve again been rated ‘excellent’ by an independent review panel.”

Regarding the relevance and outlook of his discipline, he is clear: “Applied geology concerns energy, water, raw materials, land use and public safety – the most fundamental human needs and conditions for existence,” says Van der Meulen, who sees a bright future for the geosciences.

“Geology is fully part of the information technology revolution. The way we acquire and share knowledge is changing rapidly and radically. We will have to find our path within this – it’s a key element of our strategy for the coming years.”

Congratulations to Michiel van der Meulen on this well-deserved recognition!