GSA International

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The purpose of GSA International is to promote, create, and enhance opportunities for international cooperation, provide a forum for science and policy discussions that are international in scope and relevance, build collaborative relationships with GSA Divisions and Associated Societies on international issues, and strengthen cooperation with international geoscientific societies.

International provides a communication platform for GSA members and promotes international relevant discussions around global geoscience hot topics, meetings, and GSA global activities.

International encourages and hosts international geoscience and environmental-related discussion topics through the Connected Community platform and promotes meetings, exchanges of visiting scholars/lecturers, organizes Annual Meeting topical sessions, and helps organize and promote field workshops.

Serving members in 99 countries, GSA programs unite the global science community in shaping the future of the Earth sciences. Wherever you live or work, GSA invites you to become involved by joining our network.

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To join International and pay dues, please contact Member & Customer Service at gsaservice@geosociety.org or +1-800-472-1988.

GSA 2026 Cordilleran Section Meeting to be Held in Mexico

We are happy to share that the next Cordilleran Section meeting will take place 21-24 April 2026 in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. We expect great participation from scientists at all career stages and strong presence by institutions from both sides of the border. We will be sharing more information about sessions, field trips, and workshop proposal submissions in the near future. For more information, please contact General Chair Raquel Negrete-Aranda (rnegrete@cicese.mx) and/or Field Trips Co-Chair Scott Bennett (sekbennett@usgs.gov).

Geology Without Borders: Thematic Sessions at GSA Connects 2025

At GSA Connects 2025, the theme Geology Without Borders takes center stage, celebrating how geoscience unites discoveries and tackles challenges across the globe. 

GSA International (GSAI) plays a key role in shaping the conversation, endorsing a record 22 sessions and 2 Pardee symposia that highlight the power of cross-border partnerships.

View the Full List of sessions under the theme ‘Geology without Borders’

View the Full List of GSAI Endorsed Sessions 

Interested in learning more? Come say Hello! (Or Hola! Hallo! Namaste! Olá!) at the international booth/table during Connects 2025.

We invite you to explore these sessions, submit your abstract, and present at GSA Connects 2025.

GSAI Newsletter

The latest issue of the GSA International Newsletter is packed with exciting updates and opportunities for our global community. From GSA's support for international events and the update on The Geology of Plate Tectonics Chart (3rd Edition) to exclusive opportunities for GSA members, GSA continues to build bridges across the global geoscience community.

Read the latest GSAI newsletter (July 2025)
Read the Q2 GSAI newsletter (April 2025)
Read the Q1 GSAI newsletter (January 2025)
Read the Q4 GSAI newsletter (September 2024)

Stay Updated – Subscribe for Free!

To explore past GSAI newsletters from 2024 and beyond, visit our Past Newsletters Archive.

GSA James B. Thompson, Jr., Distinguished International Lecturers

The award is made possible through a gift to the GSA Foundation by James B. Thompson, Jr., whose bequest contributed to the endowment of two lecture tours by distinguished geologists, one a non-North American scientist to tour academic and related institutions within North America, and the other a North American scientist to tour foreign universities and geological institutions. Both tours are arranged under the guidance of GSA International.

Alan Fryar, 2024-2025 Thompson Lecturer

Professor Alan Fryar is the James B. Thompson, Jr. Distinguished International Lecturer for 2024-2025.

Alan Fryar brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this prestigious role. Currently, he is a Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Kentucky, where his teaching portfolio includes classes in hydrology, hydrogeology, and environmental geology.

Read more about Alan Fryar

Follow Alan Fryar’s 2024–2025 Thompson Lecture Tour in India

Alan Fryar (University of Kentucky) shares highlights from his spring lecture tour across India, where he engaged with students and researchers at top institutions while exploring the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

Read his blog to discover the science, stories, and connections that made this journey unforgettable.

Tour blog no. 1

About the Award, Tour Dates, and How to Nominate

EXPLORING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY: A Collaborative Webinar by The Geological Society of America (GSA) and the Geological Society of Africa (GSAf)

On 12 December, GSA and GSAf co-organized an engaging webinar, Energy Transition I: Geothermal Energy, featuring:

Dr. David T. Wang (Technology Manager, U.S. Department of Energy), who discussed the science and potential of geothermal energy, with a focus on its market potential and current R&D priorities at the Department of Energy.

Dr. Isaack Kanda (Chief Geochemist, Geothermal Development Corporation, Kenya), who presented a case study from Kenya, emphasizing insights from the African perspective and strategies to overcome barriers to implementation.

The webinar, which attracted over 200 registrants from 32 countries, emphasized the global importance of geothermal energy in driving sustainable energy transitions.

Joint Webinar by GSA and GSN: "International Opportunities and Career Pathways for Geoscientists"

The Geological Society of America (GSA) and the Geological Society of Nigeria (GSN) are pleased to present a joint webinar on "International Opportunities and Career Pathways for Geoscientists."

Date: July 1st
Moderator: Ms. Amira Adamu Waziri, Founder of Bogaru Labs
Panelists:

  • Dr. Chioma Onwumelu, GEOGROUP, University of North Dakota, USA
  • Georgette Barnes Sakyi-Addo, CEO of Georgette Barnes Limited
  • Makoji Aduku, Onshore Frontiers Limited
  • Dr. Aminu Isyaku, Head of the Department of Geology and Mining, University of Abuja

This collaborative event provided valuable insights into career advancement strategies and emerging industry trends in geoscience. Attendees enjoyed an enriching discussion and gained practical knowledge to navigate the evolving geoscience job market.

View the recording
Download the slides