Mission, Values, and Goals
—Adopted by Council May 2008
Our Vision
AGU's Vision is a worldwide scientific community that advances, through unselfish cooperation in research, an understanding of Earth and space that is used for the benefit of humanity.
Our Mission
- The Union fosters excellent Earth and space science research, to the benefit of humanity.
- The Union advances the Earth and space sciences by catalyzing and supporting the efforts of individual scientists within and outside the membership. As a learned society, the Union serves the public good by fostering quality in the Earth and space sciences and by publicizing the results of research.
- The Union welcomes all in academic, government, industry and other venues who share its interest in understanding the Earth, planets and their space environment, or who seek to apply this knowledge to solving problems facing society.
- The Union's scientific mission transcends national boundaries. Individual scientists worldwide are equals in all AGU activities. Cooperative activities with partner societies of all sizes worldwide enhance the resources of all, increase the visibility of the Earth and space sciences, and serve individual scientists and students.
- The Union is its members. Dedicated volunteers represent an essential ingredient of every Union program, including publications, meetings, public education and outreach. Union staff works flexibly and responsively in partnership with volunteers to achieve Union goals and objectives.
Our Goals
- Ensure global leadership in the communication of scientific knowledge within and beyond the Earth and space science communities.
- Integrate Earth and space science disciplines to advantage knowledge and promote the application of this knowledge to relevant societal issues.
- Expand the effectiveness of the planet-wide network of Earth and space scientists working together to optimize scientific knowledge and its applications.
- Support the growth of a diverse group of excellent Earth and space scientists to meet the needs of society.
- Promote scientific literacy worldwide.
- Improve AGU's ability to provide the best science for sound public policy.
- Assure that the Union maintains the capacity to meet our current and future responsibilities.
Our Values
AGU's mission, goals, guiding principles, programs, policies and procedures are built on a foundation of widely shared values. We value:
- The scientific method.
- The generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge.
- Excellence and integrity in everything we do.
- Free exchange of ideas and information.
- A diversity of backgrounds, scientific ideas, and approaches.
- The worth and dignity of individuals.
- The volunteerism of members and the dedication of staff.
- Responsible stewardship of AGU resources.
- Accountability to the public.
- Unselfish cooperation in research.
These values inform and guide the actions that AGU should take in developing activities, policies, and practices.