John Talbot

Biography

 A lifelong passion for geology and engineering geology was instilled in me as an undergraduate, by the infectious enthusiasm of both Professors Bill Dearman and Duncan Murchison. My first move on graduating was to seek Fellowship of the Society in 1970-71. Since then I gained an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering in 1981, followed by Chartered Geologist, Engineer, Environmentalist and Scientist. I am also a European Geologist and Engineer, and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Research Interest

 My pre-retirement career was predominantly focused in geotechnical engineering and engineering geology, when I provided technical and financial project management and advice to a wide client base; in both the public and private sectors. I have technical expertise in all geotechnical aspects of site investigations; the analysis, design and provision of advice on shallow and deep foundations, maritime and inland waterfront structures, highways, the stability of rock and soil slopes, and earth dams in the UK, Europe, Africa and SE Asia.   I have been a Chartership scrutineer for over 20 years, and a reviewer and auditor for Chartered Geologist applications more recently. Although I am currently Chairman of the Professional Accreditation Committee on behalf of the Society’s Professional Committee, and was primarily responsible for the recent comprehensive review of our CPD recording system on behalf of the Chartership Committee, I hope to have the opportunity to make an even greater contribution to the affairs of the Society, particularly in the areas of Chartership, CPD and governance. I have been a member of the Society’s Chartership Committee since 2016 and am its newly appointed chairman.