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Second International Convocation
of Geophysical Science Societies

July, 1995
Boulder, Colorado, USA

The Second Convocation of Geophysical Science Societies was held on July 8, 1995, in Boulder, Colorado, USA, during the General Assembly of the IUGG. The meeting was jointly hosted by the Canadian Geophysical Union, the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, and the Geological Association of Canada. Twenty-seven representatives from geophysical science societies around the world attended.

Following opening introductions the attendees agreed the following goals were common to their societies:

  1. improved communication among international societies, especially among regional societies;
  2. enhanced perception of geophysical sciences in the eyes of the public and government funding agencies;
  3. increased student participation in Earth and space sciences.
The group discussed the financial security of science societies in changing social, economic, and political environments and the impact on their ability to achieve the above goals. Four sources of financial support were identified: publications subscriptions, meetings, philanthropies, and dues.

Changes in publications are likely to reduce this as a major source of funding. As publications become more expensive, individual members are choosing not to continue their subscriptions; however, the institutional subscriptions determine the future of a journal. Even with electronic publication, papers will continue to be peer reviewed and archived. These costs will be incurred by the publisher and passed on to the member/subscribers. Alternatively, dissemination of material online and the guarantee of authenticity may be transferred in large part to authors. In this case, national societies will have to help their member/authors understand and accept this new role. This transfer of cost from the member/user to the author would be a major shift in financing.

Another source of funding for societies is meetings' revenue. Donated funds supporting travel to meetings such as the IUGG should be sought for scientists from developing countries. Grants for student to attend meetings is especially critical.

The attendees discussed the possibilities of extended lectureships in areas where scientists would be attending meetings. Attempts to raise the level of technical expertise and bring a more quantitative approach to the science were linked to these extended lectureships. Small conferences in developing countries attract speakers who might then appear at meetings of local societies giving students and members the opportunity to meet visiting experts. It was agreed that a clearinghouse of information on the logistics of planning these extended lectureships could be established.

There was animated discussion about the status of funding for basic research. The poor public and political perception of the geophysical sciences has led to a decrease in support. The group discussed ways their societies could improve this perception.

The group agreed that written position papers can educate policy makers and the general public. These would be short, informative papers on broad, high profile issues such as hazard risk assessment that help non-scientists understand the important relationship between pure scientific research and the needs of society.

The short-term tactic of person-to-person contact with elected officials can be effective. The question of whether this was an appropriate role for geophysical science societies was debated. There was agreement that, in general, members want their society's help in ensuring their long-term well-being.

The best long-term strategy societies can employ is to enhance education. The merits of providing training in the sciences, establishing catalogs of teaching materials, creating science Olympiads, granting direct travel support for young scientists, and developing curriculum were evaluated. Educational materials for pre-college students would help to identify alternatives in non-research careers for those interested in fields with reduced funding.

Action items from the First Convocation held in Washington, D.C. in 1994 were reviewed. Steps completed and future actions were discussed.

  1. The electronic communications network, EARTHNET, and the listserver for the network, SOC-REP, have been established. The listserver is a closed discussion group for societies who have requested to be included.

  2. An electronic catalog of society educational materials should be developed. Such a catalog would list resources for all educational levels, primary through graduate.

  3. The attendees reviewed the international guidelines written to address appropriate behavior for scientists conducting research in countries other than their own. With revision, these guidelines were endorsed by the Convocation's representatives and would be published.

  4. A calendar of meetings and events should be developed so that information between societies could more readily be shared.
There was additional discussion regarding the establishment of a clearinghouse for available equipment, the funding of postdoctoral positions, and a science Olympiad. Bilateral agreements in support of reciprocal publication and meeting fees were also discussed.

It was agreed that the Third Convocation would be held in Brisbane, Australia just prior to the Western Pacific Geophysics Meeting in July, 1996.


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