Actions and Resolutions
From the Report of the
First International Convocation of Geophysical Science Societies
May, 1994
Washington, D.C., USA
Representatives from the 27 geophysical science societies that attended the First International Convocation of Geophysical Science Societies drafted and passed three resolutions. The resolutions were viewed as goals to achieve to strengthen the geophysical sciences worldwide.
"The International Convocation of Geophysical Science Societies urges educational institutions, from schools through universities, to strengthen the quality of studies in the geophysical sciences so as to ensure that an adequate supply of the best science students go into the geophysical disciplines. These disciplines are vital for humans to understand in order to cope with problems of the environment such as global change, natural resources, and natural hazards in a dynamic Earth which are increasingly urgent.""The International Convocation of Geophysical Science Societies urges governments to maintain the vigor of the basic sciences. It is only by quantitative understanding of the basic science of the Earth that geophysicists will be able to contribute to the solution of the myriad problems that will face us in the future."
"The International Convocation of Geophysical Science Societies reaffirms that international cooperation and exchange of scholars are vital aspects of development of all sciences and especially geophysics. Governments are urged to provide visas promptly for those attending conferences or participating in exchange programs between higher education and research institutions. Immediate family members should be included for exchanges of long duration."
From the Report of the
Third Convocation of Societies in the Geophysical Sciences
July, 1996
Brisbane, Australia
Guidelines for Scientists Conducting Research in Foreign Countries
Introduction
The study of many of the most pressing problems in "Earth system science" demands that the modern Earth scientist conduct global research. The opportunity to pursue research goals worldwide, however, carries with it responsibilities.Outside of international waters and Antarctica, a continent owned by no one but covered by a multinational treaty embracing the freedom to pursue science, the visiting researcher is working in a foreign country that is the home and principal study area of other Earth scientists. He or she has an obligation to plan and conduct research with that firmly in mind.
Principles
A visiting Earth scientist must respect not only the sovereignty, laws and environment of the country in which he or she conducts research, but also the dignity and intellectual rights of its scientists, and indeed the well-being of all its inhabitants, resources and natural environment.The goals for interaction with scientists of the host country should be unselfish cooperation in research and enhancement of that country's science base.
Obligations
Official
Many countries have strict legal requirements for foreign scientists seeking permission to conduct research in their territory. Ship borne research in territorial waters generally requires direct government to government agreement. There may also be limitations on the importation and exportation of instruments and specimens. Copies of geophysical data and field note books may need to be retained by the host country. The science attache at the embassy or consulate of the country in question should be consulted at an early stage in planning.Unofficial
The onus is on the intending visitor to determine whether or not someone is already studying the problem, area, or rock unit of interest. This can be done either through personal contacts, or through an organization such as a learned society or national academy of sciences. Whether or not someone is already involved in an overlapping study, and especially if that is the case, every effort should be made to establish a collaborative program with one or more scientists in the host country.True collaboration involves intellectual exchange, acknowledgment of previous work and help by others, attendance at local congresses and symposia, joint publication, and help with the training of local students. In particular, visitors should be encouraged to give lectures of interest to both the general public, students at undergraduate and graduate levels, and colleagues and to provide brief reports to be published in the newsletter of the local society. Project budgets should include, where appropriate, the transfer of equipment, maps etc. to local universities or schools upon completion of the project. The analysis of remotely sensed data should be shared with the Earth scientists of the countries.
These guidelines were primarily drafted by Ian Dalziel, Professor of Geophysics at The University of Texas at Austin, USA. Revisions were provided by Thomas McClimans of the Norwegian Geophysical Society.
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