Truro College Geology Students Exhibit Groundbreaking Hydrogen Research at the Royal Society in London

Students from Truro and Penwith College travelled to London to present their research at the prestigious Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. Their project, titled “Is There Naturally Occurring Hydrogen Gas in Cornwall?”, was developed through the Royal Society’s Partnership Grants Scheme over the past year.

Students showcased groundbreaking hydrogen research at Royal Society exhibition.

The Summer Science Exhibition is the UK’s premier public science event, hosted by the Royal Society—the country’s national academy of science. Truro College students shared their work alongside 13 outstanding research groups and more than 300 scientists from across the UK, presenting their findings to some of the world’s most eminent researchers, Fellows, and visitors.

Their research addressed a question of global significance. As the world looks to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment, hydrogen gas is seen as a vital part of the green energy transition. However, producing hydrogen often requires large amounts of energy. If naturally occurring hydrogen can be found in sufficient quantities, it could provide a cleaner, more sustainable solution.

Students at Kynance Cove collecting a ‘Clean air’ sample.

The students’ project investigated whether hydrogen gas is being naturally produced in Cornwall’s granite and serpentine rocks through processes known as radiolysis and serpentinisation. Over the past year, they collected 10 gas samples from sites of geological interest across Cornwall, which were analysed at Royal Holloway University of London’s climate science laboratory. Early results suggested that the St Austell granite could be a promising site for natural hydrogen production. The team hope to expand their research area and collect further samples to confirm these findings.

Mandy Winstanley, Deputy Team Leader for Science at Truro and Penwith College, praised the students’ commitment and achievement: “The project enabled students to develop skills and investigate questions that mattered to them and the local community. They worked hard over the past year, so it was exciting for them to be able to present their findings to world-class researchers, Fellows, and visitors to the exhibition. I loved every minute facilitating this project; the students were amazing and did everything themselves—I just pointed them in the right direction.”

Students’ visit to the Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) to see their gas samples being analysed.

This remarkable opportunity highlighted the College’s commitment to supporting student-led research on issues of real-world importance and to encouraging the next generation of scientists and innovators.

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