GEOSCIENTISTS WITHOUT BORDERS: MISSION, HISTORY AND FUTURE

Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB) supports humanitarian application of geosciences around the world. GWB was formed in 2008 at the initiative of Schlumberger’s Chief Geophysicist Dr. Craig Beasley. Dr. Beasley was President of the SEG in 2004, at the time of the devastating tsunami in South Asia, and discovered that SEG members were coming to him and asking how they could help. Realizing that geoscience could be used to undertake various humanitarian projects throughout the world, and not just in the aftermath of natural disasters, he encouraged Schlumberger to kick-start the initiative with a five-year commitment of US one million dollars. More than 35 GWB proposals have been received to date, with 11 receiving grant awards. Typical awards are $50,000 per year, over two years ($100,000 per project). The program continues to be funded by the SEG Foundation through donations from individuals, corporations, organizations, and grants from other sources.

Program Goals and Objectives

• Provide funding to projects that will bring benefits to communities in need, where conditions and hazards can be mitigated using geophysical technology.

• Provide opportunities for professionals and students to exercise their passions for both the science and philanthropy as they conduct humanitarian and community projects around the world, thereby raising the profile of geophysical science.

• Strengthen the global geophysical community through beneficial multi disciplinary partnerships and cooperation with other organizations active in engineering and geoscience.

• Strengthen and encourage SEG Student Chapters by energizing students and introducing them to the broad range of geoscience careers, while also strengthening university programs in geophysics and geoscience.