First International Convocation
of Geophysical Science Societies
May, 1994
Washington, D.C., USA
On May 20–22 in Washington, D.C., USA, representatives from twenty-seven national and regional geophysical societies and five international organizations gathered to gain a better understanding of the needs and expectations of geophysical scientists around the world and to explore ways to extend the limited resources of the societies through worldwide collaboration. They had come from all continents and represented all disciplines within the geophysical sciences. The event was hosted by AGU in conjunction with its 75th Anniversary celebration.
Discussions were lively and far ranging. Quickly the group came to a consensus on the commonality of problems faced by practicing scientists today. They were in agreement about the need to educate policy makers, the general public, and tomorrow's scientists. They explored the roles of scientific information resources, including electronic dissemination of information, world lecture tours, and the exchange of scholars in meeting the goals of the different societies. They considered ways of improving public information and understanding particularly by pooling information and sharing materials. Facilitating bilateral and international research activities was debated. Ways that societies could assist in the improvement of pre-college science education and further education were also discussed.
From these discussions, the representatives were able to formulate and pass three resolutions to strengthen the geophysical sciences worldwide.
The representatives also agreed to establish an effective network of communication among the societies, which will be based on an e-mail listserver. Societies that do not have access to electronic mail will receive information via regular mail. Jointly the societies will create and maintain several catalogs of information including educational materials, documents used for public information, post-doc opportunities, meeting schedules, tables of contents of society publications, and possibly in the future society membership directories.
The group will explore the possibility of organizing a clearinghouse to provide equipment and publications to developing countries and investigate what would be involved in establishing an olympiad in Earth and space sciences. To assist in the orientation of new scientists, the group will attempt to formulate and adopt guidelines for conducting research outside one's own national boundaries, with particular emphasis on work in developing countries.
To increase cooperation among societies and thereby improve service to geophysical scientists worldwide, representatives suggested reducing rates through bilateral agreements, having meetings in locales accessible to scientists in developing countries, and accepting payment in local currency. A number of bilateral and multilateral cooperative agreements are expected to result from the convocation.
In developing the invitation list, AGU began a directory of geophysical societies and provided a preliminary draft to the convocation participants. As part of the development of an effective communication network among geoscientists, it was agreed that this directory should be expanded. All agreed to help gather information for the directory.
The social highlight of the convocation was a reception and dinner in the Great Hall of the National Academy of Sciences. AGU President Ralph Cicerone pointed out the appropriateness of this setting by describing AGU's foundation as the union of two committees of the Academy. AGU past president Tom Malone provided a bit of historical background and urged the group to work together to meet the challenges of the future. Malone was joined by other AGU past presidents Philip Abelson, Arthur Maxwell, Charles Drake, Peter Eagleson, and Don Anderson as honored guests. AGU received special anniversary gifts from the Canadian Geophysical Union, Hungarian Astronautical Society, Norwegian Geological Society, and Shanghai Geophysical Society.
The societies planned to meet next at the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics General Assembly, to be held in Boulder, Colorado, USA, in July, 1995.
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