GeoNews – EFG’s monthly newsletter| May 2025

5th IPGC technical programme now online!

We’re excited to announce that the technical programme for the 5th International Professional Geology Conference (IPGC) is now available online!

Explore the sessions, speakers, and topics shaping the future of geosciences:
https://www.5th-ipgc.com/

Whether you’re passionate about critical raw materials supply, sustainable energy, technology, or the evolving role of geologists—you won’t want to miss this event!

Make sure to register now to secure your spot and be part of the global dialogue!

Please note: the programme is a preliminary version and minor updates may follow in the coming weeks.

86th EFG Council meeting held in Naples

Hosted by the Italian National Council of Geologists, the 86th Council Meeting of the European Federation of Geologists (EFG) was held in Naples, Italy, on 17 and 18 May 2025.

Discover here some of the key outcomes:

• On 17 May, the elections for the EFG External Relations Officer position took place. National Association Delegates cast their votes electronically. As a result, Arda Arcasoy, from the Turkish Association of Economic Geologists, was elected as the new EFG External Relations Officer. Arda Arcasoy’s election means the end of the term of Pavlos Tyrologou from the Association of Greek Geologists, who served as External Relations Officer from 2019 until 2025 and thus could not present himself for another term. The EFG Board, and Secretariat thank Pavlos for his dedicated work and commitment throughout the past years and congratulate Arda on his election as EFG Board member.
• In May 2025, the EFG Board decided to appoint Anita Stein as the new EFG Executive Director. This decision was communicated to Council during the meeting in Naples. Following a transition period until the end of June, Anita Stein will start in the new position in July 2025.
• The updated Code of Ethics (Regulation C1) and the Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures (Regulation C2) were approved by Council. For further information, the EFG Statutes and Regulations are available at the following link: https://eurogeologists.eu/statutesregulations
• In addition, the new EFG Advisory Board has been established. As an integral component of EFG’s governance structure, the Advisory Board will provide strategic guidance, subject matter expertise, and support the Federation’s mission to promote excellence and sustainability in the geosciences across Europe and beyond. Further details about the Advisory Board’s structure and members will be disclosed soon.

Thanks to our hosts from the Italian National Council of Geologists, and to all the EFG’s National Associations who attended the 86th Council Meeting in Naples and online!

For further details, we invite you to consult the full summary post.

At the recent EFG Council Meeting held in Naples, EFG received a request from its Dutch National Association, the KNGMG, to gather support to halt the closure of the Earth Science Department at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. This closure would lead to the firing of 41 faculty staff and abandoning 300 students that are at the different stages of their studies. The University and KNGMG are fighting this decision on several fronts and it will be a tight race. They have seen many letters from different organisations, public, private and NGOs that have protested this decision from the Netherlands and from Europe and beyond. KNGMG wants to thank those who have taken the effort to send these letters protesting this thoughtless decision. They relay their gratitude to EFG members who have done so. You can support them by signing the petition.

GSL: Discount on training courses

For 2025, and in recognition of the ongoing partnership between EFG and GSL, and mutual support to geoscientists around the globe, GSL are delighted to offer all members of EFG’s National Associations a 15% discount on their 2025 training programme of more than 20 courses!

To benefit from the discount, please use the code ‘PARTNER15’ on the bookings page. The discount is available across all categories, including already discounted rates for students and early-career geoscientists, and against the early-booking and group discounts already on offer.

UAG: 7th Congress of Geologists of Ukraine

On 14 May, EFG President David Govoni delivered a video-recorded opening speech at the 7th Congress of Geologists of Ukraine which was held online under the title “Ukrainian Geology in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical Challenges”.

By participating in the event, EFG expresses its continued support for its Ukrainian National Association, the Union of Geologists of Ukraine (UAG).

The event recording is available online.

EFG signs Memorandum of Understanding with WiM Spain

EFG has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Women in Mining and Industry Spain (WIM Spain).

WIM Spain is an organisation that aims to promote the participation of women in the mining and industrial sectors in Spain. Its mission is to foster equal opportunities, support the professional development of women in these fields, and create a more inclusive and diverse environment. WIM Spain seeks to highlight female talent, drive positive change in the industry, and provide a supportive community for women working in or aspiring to work in these sectors.

With a shared vision, common goals, and a commitment to collaboration, this partnership aims to empower women, support the professional growth of geologists, and build a more diverse and resilient geoscience community.

EFG Academy: Activism & Geology

EFG Academy: Sequence Stratigraphy

Breakfast Debate at European Parliament: Urban Mining

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