Background

BACKGROUND TO THE JOHN DAY BURSARY

The British Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) awards a bursary every year to reward students for their outstanding hydrogeology-related dissertations.

The bursary is named in honour of John Day, former Chief Hydrogeologist of the BGS and dedicated member of IAH, being a member of the organising committee of the first UK Congress in 1977; chair of the UK national committee when the Cambridge Congress was held in 1985, and Vice President of IAH from 1984 to 1993.

The bursary is open to postgraduate students (including international students) studying at any university in Great Britain, and from 2026, includes PhD students. The bursary reflects John Day’s commitment to the need for the science of hydrogeology to serve society at home and internationally.

The bursary has a value of £1,000, and the successful applicant also receives a 1-year free membership of IAH, as well as the prestige of receiving the award. The bursary winner is also invited to submit a poster for presentation at the annual Ineson Lecture, usually held in November at the Geological Society, London.