Sersmaa Gonchigdorj

Throughout my 35 years as a geologist and educator, my work has focused on documenting and understanding Mongolia’s geological record, much of which remains understudied on the global stage. Mongolia occupies a central position within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, yet many of its key stratigraphic sections are still not fully integrated into international research. Sharing new results internationally is essential—not only to represent Mongolia, but to contribute data that help complete the global picture of Earth’s history. Studying understudied regions often reveals patterns and information that cannot be seen in well-known areas alone. My impact has come from long-term field exploration, systematic re-examination of important sections, and the ability to bring people together. Much of this work is collaborative, and I have always considered it important to connect Mongolian and international researchers, share knowledge openly, and build teams that last. Alone, these tasks would be impossible; through cooperation, we have been able to highlight Mongolia’s scientific potential and make it more visible globally.

Education and outreach are also central to my work. I integrate research findings into university teaching, guide annual field courses, and organize geo-tourism programs to introduce Mongolia’s unique geology to international visitors. In recent years, I have expanded this work to rural schools, helping younger students discover geology through “GeoClub” activities and field lessons.

I first became involved in geology as a university student in 1985, during my initial field practicum. Observing rocks and geological processes directly in nature gave me a sense of clarity about the profession I wanted to pursue. After graduating, I continued working as a field geologist, and very quickly, fieldwork became the part of the job that shaped my entire career. 

Over the past decades, my work has taken me across almost every region of Mongolia. Each area has its own geological character, and revisiting these places over many years has deepened my understanding of how the country’s landscapes developed. These journeys taught me that geology is a lifelong learning process—every outcrop has something new to show if you take the time to study it. As my career progressed, geology also opened doors for international collaboration. Through conferences, training programs, and teaching fellowships, I have met researchers from many countries and learned from different scientific traditions. These experiences showed me how strongly science connects people, regardless of nationality, and how exploration is a shared goal across cultures. This sense of connection has motivated me to continue contributing to both national and international research efforts. As an educator, I have always believed that students learn geology best through direct experience. For more than 30 years, I have guided field courses in Mongolia’s key geological areas, helping students apply classroom knowledge to real formations. Seeing their curiosity strengthen in the field has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work.