ENCOURAGING INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN GSA: THE ROLE OF GSAI

The Geological Society of America’s International Committee (GSAI) helps coordinate and communicate international research, educational, and outreach activities encouraged and promoted by the Society. The Committee’s primary objectives are to establish, advertise, and enhance international partnerships and collaborations, manage travel grants and research awards to non-U.S. students and early career scientists, and select awardees for the James B. Thompson Jr. Distinguished Lectureship and the International Distinguished Career Award. In collaboration with the Department of International Programs, the Committee supports other activities that encourage GSA’s expanded international footprint, professional collaborations, and membership. These include the development of MOUs between GSA and other international professional societies, educational/informational webinars, workshops, and seminars, and the organization of joint topical sessions and themes at meetings. Some recent examples are the International Opportunities and Career Pathways for Geoscientists webinar organized with the Geological Society of Nigeria in July 2024 and the Energy Transition I: Geothermal Energy webinar organized with the Geological Society of Africa in December 2024. The Department of International Programs publishes a periodic international newsletter summarizing all GSA’s international activities. The GSAI plans to sponsor a session at Connects 2025 providing examples on how earth scientists can become involved in international collaborations. The GSAI and the Department of International Programs encourage all GSA members to sign up for the international newsletter, volunteer for the organization of activities, apply for GSA’s internationally oriented opportunities, and engage with the global geoscience enterprise. To learn more, please visit https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/About/GSA_International/GSA/International/Home.aspx.