Goals & Objectives

Goal 1: Advance and Promote Scientific Research and Knowledge

Objective 1.1: Support Cutting-Edge Research in selected Earth and Space Sciences disciplines

• Align the IUGG research agendas with research projects concerned with the Earth System, the near-Earth space environment, and planets, and promote and support research initiatives that address sustainability challenges in the widest sense.
• Encourage research projects addressing critical scientific challenges, with an emphasis on strategic, Association-led initiatives, that focus (where appropriate) on the “Global South” and other vulnerable regions.
• Promote interdisciplinary research within the IUGG Community, e.g., through joint Scientific Assemblies and workshops, inter-Association Commissions or projects, etc.
• Seek to improve engagement between the IUGG leadership group (i.e., the Bureau and Executive) and the Associations and Union Commissions by, e.g., IUGG leadership group attendance at Scientific Assemblies, ad hoc meetings at international events such as AGU, AOGS and EGU, and so forth.

Objective 1.2: Enhance Data Sharing and Service Accessibility

• Promote Open Access data repositories, ensuring free and equitable access to valuable geoscientific data.
• Advocate for the development and adoption of standardised data protocols to facilitate seamless data sharing and collaboration among all stakeholders.
• Encourage Associations to establish and maintain essential scientific services, e.g., for distributing data and analysis products to the scientific and broader community.

Objective 1.3: Align with International Science Council (ISC) Strategic Goals

• Stronger engagement with the ISC, including participation in committees, representation on high-level ISC bodies, and attendance at key ISC events, such as the ISC General Assemblies.
• Align the IUGG strategic objectives with the ISC’s principles and long-term goals.
• Promote greater cooperation among GeoUnions on ISC-related matters and initiatives, e.g., such as the International Lithosphere Program (ILP).
• Advocate for the integration of geoscientific insights into national and international policy and decision-making processes.
• Encourage the Associations to contribute to the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD) through appropriate initiatives.

Goal 2: Foster Collaboration and Partnerships to Address Global Challenges

Objective 2.1: Strengthen International Scientific Networks

• Organise and support international conferences, symposia, and workshops that encourage international participation, scientific exchange, networking, and education.
• Promote exchange programs and collaborative research projects that deepen global scientific ties and enhance shared expertise.
• Encourage Associations and Union Commissions to develop ambitious research agendas that leverage the IUGG’s broad expertise and strong connections with other scientific organisations, space agencies, and national and international institutions

Objective 2.2: Engage Effectively with International Organisations and Stakeholders

• Establish liaison mechanisms to align efforts and enhance impact with key organisations, such as those that engage in or promote geoscientific research (see https://iugg.org/partners/partner/), and their relevant program initiatives.
• Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organisations on regional and global initiatives that promote science-based solutions to shared challenges.

Objective 2.3: Support Research that Advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Other Global Initiatives

• Align the IUGG research agendas and IUGG activities with the UN’s SDGs, particularly in areas such as global change, water management, and sustainable urban development.
• Advance our understanding of climate and Earth System changes that have an anthropogenic cause, as well as encouraging research into harm mitigation or remedial strategies, systems and technologies.
• Promote research, outreach and education on topics such as natural hazards, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness strategies.

Goal 3: Inspire and Empower the Next Generation

Objective 3.1: Support Early Career Scientists (ECS)

• Ensure ECS representation on the appropriate IUGG Committees, so that the voices and perspectives of the next generation of scientists are heard.
• Encourage each Association to identify ECS representatives to serve in leadership positions, and to offer mentorship and the necessary continuity to these ECS so that they may make a meaningful impact on the IUGG Community’s activities.
• Provide networking opportunities for ECS through both formal events, and informal groupings, across the geoscientific disciplines represented by the IUGG Community, in order that ECS can participate in cross-disciplinary research initiatives.

Objective 3.2: Promote IUGG Engagement in Universities and Research Institutions

• Develop outreach and training initiatives for universities, including educator-focused events that equip educators with the tools to inspire future geoscientists.
• Organise workshops for educators and students, e.g., during IUGG General Assemblies and Association Scientific Assemblies, and other IUGG Community events.

Objective 3.3: Advance Geoscience Education and Capacity Building

• Create and distribute educational resources appropriate for students, educators, and professionals to deepen expertise in the IUGG’s Earth and Space Sciences disciplines.
• Support capacity-building efforts, especially in developing countries, to close knowledge gaps and to promote scientific equity, ideally in partnership with the ISC and other global bodies.
• Implement strategic science communication initiatives to “demystify” the geosciences and to promote public understanding through appropriate digital platforms and media.

Objective 3.4: Promote Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Provide guidance on DEI, focusing on increasing representation and participation of women and other under-represented groups within the IUGG Community.

Goal 4: Strengthen Governance and Operational Effectiveness

Objective 4.1: Promote Financial Transparency

• Implement detailed and regular financial reporting on IUGG and Association income, expenditure, and resource allocation.
• Centralise the Association accounts under a single financial system.
• Establish an independent Audit Committee to regularly review financial practices.
• Improve the tracking and reporting of fund allocation, particularly for ECS travel grants and workshop support, and evaluate the impact of all funding initiatives.

Objective 4.2: Strengthen Association Engagement and Coordination

• Provide the Associations with resources and support to enhance their impact and to ensure their voices are reflected in IUGG decisions and initiatives.
• Boost engagement from member countries through regional action plans, local events, and incentives for participation in IUGG projects and other initiatives.
• Implement strategies for improving the communications between Associations, Union Commissions, and adhering bodies, with a view to fostering collaborative and cross-disciplinary activities, as well as sharing insights and tips on “best practices”.

Objective 4.3: Optimise Bureau Operations

• Align budget planning with the IUGG’s Strategic Goals, e.g., by updating guidelines on IUGG support for symposia, strategic initiatives, support for the DEI and ECS committees, etc.
• Define clear responsibilities for members of the Bureau, e.g., by assigning individual Bureau members the task of engaging with each of the Associations.
• Develop annual Implementation Plans to drive strategic initiatives, as well as ensuring accountability and measuring impact and progress of all IUGG activities.
• Enhance the relevance and impact of Annual Reports and activity reviews by aligning them with strategic objectives.
• Improve the sustainability of IUGG operations, with a particular focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Objective 4.4: Strengthen Membership Engagement and Value

• Improve the perceived (and actual) “return-on-investment” for the IUGG member countries that contribute to the IUGG funding.
• Clearly articulate member benefits, and maintain regular communications with national adhering bodies, e.g., through online meetings.
• Expand geographic representation of IUGG country membership.
• Monitor and address membership issues, such as dues models, separate Association memberships, status of non-paying member countries, and regularly benchmark against other international Scientific Unions.
• Investigate different models of IUGG membership (e.g., individual membership, low or free national membership under special arrangements, corporate sponsorship, etc.).

Objective 4.5: Integrate Risk Management into IUGG Financial Planning

• Identify financial risk factors, e.g., dues issues, increasing costs, declining income, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Develop contingency plans for various financial scenarios, including potential funding shortfalls.
• Ensure that the IUGG Secretariat has a stable “home” and funding support for key personnel.