This instalment of our ‘Spotlight on’ series focuses on Professor Jon Gluyas - a leading geoscientist who has spent his career addressing some of society's most pressing energy challenges.
Jon’s career has moved from fossil fuel exploration to research on decarbonisation, geothermal energy, hydrogen and helium potential, and human-induced seismicity.
Within all of this, the consequences of energy production on society and industry have been a key focus.
A captivating undergraduate course sparked a life-long interst in geochemistry for Jon. This passion led him to a PhD, with key teaching figures being influential in his career choice.
After graduating, Jon worked for BP for over 15 years before moving to the independent oil sector. He went on to co-found Acorn Oil and Gas, which made history by reviving an abandoned North Sea oil field, and later, he helped establish Fairfield Energy.
However, despite these successes, a significant shift in his thinking was emerging. Jon recongised that the world needed to find a way to produce energy but without the carbon.
This realisation coincided with Jon’s move to Durham University in 2009, where he was able to explore his innovative ideas.
At Durham, Jon has led ground breaking research in geothermal energy and the exploration of alternative gases.
Among his proudest achievements is leading the team that, in 2015, discovered the first new helium province in a century, in Tanzania.
Until this discovery, commercial quantities of helium had always been found by accident when searching for petroleum gas. The 2015 helium source was the first to have been found on purpose and the only one free of associated greenhouse gasses.
This work has since led to successful drilling operations and inspired exploration for hydrogen, which Jon believes offer huge global potential for carbon-free energy.
Alongside his work on helium, Jon has also championed the potential of geothermal energy – using heat from the Earth as a renewable energy source.
Jon believes that, in the UK, this could provide a domestic source of clean energy to improve energy security and reduce emissions.
Jon has been instrumental in establishing the UK National Geothermal Centre in 2024. This leading centre will bring expertise together to develop geothermal energy potential at speed and scale.
For Jon, geology fundamentally shapes human civilisation - from natural resources driving societal development to energy security influencing global geopolitics and conflicts.
He remains passionate about decarbonisation and energy security, arguing both are critically important to global wellbeing.
Jon’s work has undoubtedly made significant contributions to science and society. He has earned numerous leadership roles and awards, including the 2025 Industry Expert Award at the Offshore Achievement Awards.
Jon’s career exemplifies how geological expertise can transform our energy landscape and spearhead sustainable solutions for tomorrow's world.
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