On May 7, 2025, Grant Ferguson, the 2025 Darcy Distinguished Lecturer, visited ELTE at our invitation. Grant Ferguson is a professor of hydrogeology at the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in deep groundwater systems and their connections to energy resources. Ferguson is currently vice president of the North America for the International Association of Hydrogeologists and has served as President of their Canadian National Chapter.
Before the lecture, we had a working lunch with Grant Ferguson, where we discussed the educational situation in Hungary and Canada, student numbers, the 2026 IAH conference held in Hungary, as well as the increasingly frequent extreme hydroclimatic events resulting from climate change, such as the Danube flood last September, and Professor Joe Tóth. After lunch, we presented our current research, during which Grant Ferguson provided valuable advice, paving the way for future collaborations.
Grant Ferguson delivered both of his Darcy lectures in a hybrid format. The lectures were attended by Teodóra Szőcs, President of the IAH as well. In his first lecture, Ferguson examined the changes in deep groundwater over time and their role in the global water cycle, with a focus on carbon sequestration and nuclear waste disposal. In his second lecture, he analyzed the role of ancient groundwaters in the Anthropocene, emphasizing the importance of their sustainable use and their contribution to improving water security.
Between the two lectures: Brigitta Czauner, Teodóra Szőcs, Grant Ferguson, Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, Szilvia Simon, Anita Erőss, Márk Szijártó
The event was particularly beneficial for us, as it provided an opportunity to discuss the latest research findings and gain valuable professional advice that could enhance the success of our future research projects.
Grant Fergusson’s visit was made possible with the support of the Papp Simon Foundation.