A professor at the Camborne School of Mines has been elected the first female president of the Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Professor Frances Wall, an associate professor in applied mineralogy, will hold the prestigious post for two years. Her tenure began in earnest at a meeting of the society’s full council, held recently in London.

It is the second time that Professor Wall has been the first female to take on a prestigious lead role, following on from her recent term as head of Camborne School of Mines.

Professor Wall said she was “delighted and honoured” to be selected as the president of the Mineralogical Society. She said: “I am surprised we haven't had a woman president before - there are lots of excellent women scientists in the Society, but nevertheless it is a real honour.”

The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland was formed in 1876, to publicise scientific knowledge of the mineral sciences in the fields of crystallography, geochemistry, petrology, environmental science and economic geology.

The society publishes scientific journals, books and monographs, as well as organising and sponsoring scientific meetings.