THE IUGG
The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) is one of the largest and oldest international networks of geoscientists, having been established in 1919 with the goal to strengthen international collaboration. Today the IUGG is a non-governmental, international scientific organisation with 75 member countries (as of 2026) operating under the auspices of the International Science Council (ISC).
Through its eight Associations, the IUGG influences the research agendas across several Earth and Space Science disciplines, convenes scientific meetings, encourages the establishment of scientific data services, coordinates regional and global scientific projects, and seeks to inform scientific policy. The IUGG operates as a federation of these Associations, with primary responsibility to national adhering bodies (rather than individual members), thereby serving as a globally representative, cross-disciplinary advocate, that coordinates standards, large-scale programs, and cooperation across the full spectrum of Earth and Space Sciences. National adhering bodies play a central role as key interfaces between the IUGG and national geoscientific communities.
Associations of the IUGG
IUGG is comprised of eight semi-autonomous Associations, each responsible for a specific range of topics or themes within the overall scope of Union activities.
In addition, IUGG establishes inter-Association Commissions, and relationships with several other scientific bodies with similar interests. These eight International Associations are:
Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
To promote the study of the Earth and its environment in space, and to provide scientific leadership in addressing key geoscientific challenges, fostering international collaboration, disseminating knowledge for the benefit of society, and providing essential services to scientists and civil society.
Vision Statement
To be a global leader in advancing geoscientific disciplines, fostering sustainable development, enhancing the resilience of communities to natural hazards through scientific excellence, and advancing international cooperation.
Scientific Meetings
Each National Committee for Geodesy and Geophysics, which functions as a non-governmental entity in its relations with IUGG, is represented at General Assemblies of the Union by Delegates appointed by its Adhering Body.
During these assemblies, policies governing the Union are agreed on, research programmes requiring international participation are formulated and coordinated and plans are drawn for their execution.
The scientific results of programmes in progress are discussed at the numerous Scientific Symposia, Commission and Working Group meetings and other gatherings of scientists that are held during these assemblies. General Assemblies have been held since 1922 and, since 1963, at 4 years intervals.
The last General Assembly was held in Berlin, Germany in 2023. The next General Assembly will be held in Incheon (South Korea) 2027.
