U.S. International Geoscience Organizations

IUGS

Founded in 1961, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) is one of the world's largest and most active non-governmental scientific organizations. The Union promotes and supports the study of geological problems of world-wide significance, and facilitates international and interdisciplinary cooperation in the earth sciences. A prominent member of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), the IUGS has more than 110 national members.

Information is at: www.iugs.org/

USNC/IUGS

The U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Geological Sciences (USNC/IUGS) serves as a focal point for U.S. discussions on how to maintain best the viability and relevance of the geological sciences internationally. It provides guidance and input to the IUGS on these issues, and plans and implements US participation in the programs of the IUGS. The USNC/IUGS works in cooperation with scientific societies and seeks their input on nominations to the committee. Members serve for three years terms and are eligible for a second term. The USNC/IUGS meets twice a year.

The USNC/IUGS conducts an outreach program to the American geoscience community that includes: providing information to the community about union and committee activities; sponsoring symposia at scientific association meetings on topics of international interest in the geosciences; and advocating participation in international interdisciplinary projects on such issues as biodiversity and megacities.

The committee also acts as the U.S. adhering body to the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP). The IGCP is a joint IUGS/UNESCO program developed to facilitate international research in geology. Grants from the IGCP go to multinational research teams involved in research of an international scope.

Information is at: www7.nationalacademies.org/usnc-iugs/USNC_IUGS_Activities.html

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