About 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.

Research in the Geosciences
The research agendas in geosciences are developed by the IUGG Community of Associations and their sub-entities (commissions, divisions, services, working groups, networks, etc.). In addition, the IUGG Community initiate and manage Inter-Association and Union Commission activities, as well as liaise with a number of inter-governmental, national and civil organisations. Furthermore, the Associations maintain several essential services that provide data and analysis outputs for many scientific and international communities.

Scientific Meetings and Global Collaboration
The IUGG Community organise IUGG General Assemblies, Association Scientific Assemblies, topical meetings, workshops, and geoscience education events. These meetings and events attract thousands of scientists every year, and showcase the cutting-edge research undertaken by the scientists identifying with the various Association geoscientific disciplines, as well as provide forums for initiating and sustaining international collaboration. These forums facilitate the sharing data and analysis outputs that enhance scientific knowledge in the Earth and Space Sciences. In particular, the IUGG Community initiate and support international interdisciplinary research programs and projects, such as the World Climate Research Program (WCRP; 1980-present), the International Lithosphere Program (ILP; 1981-present), the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD, 2024-2033), and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Science (2025-2034). Scientists from all countries are invited to participate in Association activities.

Informing Scientific Policy and Outreach
The IUGG collaborates with other organisations under the umbrella of the ISC, the United Nations, and others, to promote science and to inform scientific policy. The dissemination of scientific knowledge among its member countries, for the benefit of scientists all over the globe, and for the public in general, is an important responsibility of the IUGG. The IUGG and its Associations publish proceedings, newsletters, scientific journals, and are active on social media.