Ethics

GSA Statement about AGU Poster

The Geological Society of America (GSA) has become aware that one of our employees presented their personal views on ethics and inclusivity at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, calling some to question whether they were acting on GSA's behalf. Statements made by the employee do not reflect the views of GSA, our members, volunteers, or staff. GSA regrets the confusion this may have caused, and takes this matter seriously. We are currently conducting an internal review to understand the facts so we can take appropriate corrective action.

On Monday, 10 December, prior to learning of this incident, GSA sent an update to all of its members titled “GSA Ethics Update: Promoting a Culture of Integrity.” In this email we affirmed our “long-standing commitment to ethical and professional conduct” and outlined our efforts to “ensure that all of our members feel welcome and supported in living up to their potential as scientists and furthering their careers.” GSA continues to strive to make the Society, our events, and our programs as inclusive as possible.

GSA Welcomes New Ethics and Compliance Officer

For immediate release

Nan Stout

Boulder, CO, USA: The Geological Society of America is pleased to announce the appointment of Nan Stout as GSA's first Ethics and Compliance Officer. She will work to enhance GSA’s commitment to building and sustaining a culture of ethical civil behavior in the geosciences.

GSA Council has clearly communicated its intention to be proactive in efforts to promote and endorse ethical professional behavior in all facets of the Society’s activities, including meetings, field and work environments, and in the conveyance of scientific findings through its publications and conferences. This position was approved as a next step in the process, following development of GSA’s Code of Conduct for Events, and a spring report from the GSA ad hoc Ethics Committee.

Ms. Stout has a JD from Boston College Law School and has worked extensively in the private sector developing compliance programs. She has most recently been a Clinical Professor in Business Ethics at Colorado State University and before that, a lecturer in business ethics for undergraduates at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder.

Ms. Stout began her tenure with GSA on 31 August 2018. “We are confident that Nan will be able to build our professional ethics program and provide excellent training for GSA members and leaders, as well as serve as our meetings ombudsman,” said GSA Executive Director Vicki McConnell. “Her work with our members, participants in GSA events, and journal authors, will be pivotal in achieving GSA’s mission and strategic goals.”

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The Geological Society of America, founded in 1888, is a scientific society with members from academia, government, and industry in more than 100 countries. Through its meetings, publications, and programs, GSA enhances the professional growth of its members and promotes the geosciences in the service of humankind. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA, GSA encourages cooperative research among earth, life, planetary, and social scientists, fosters public dialogue on geoscience issues, and supports all levels of earth science education.