5th IPGC: Global Geosciences Unite to Shape a Sustainable, Tech-Driven Future
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The 5th International Professional Geology Conference (5th IPGC), jointly organised by the Spanish Official Association of Geologists (ICOG), the Portuguese Association of Geologists (APG), and the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), successfully concluded on 7 November 2025. Over three days, the event brought together more than 350 participants from across the world to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and highlight the evolving role of geoscience in society.
Hosted at the World Trade Center Zaragoza, Spain, the conference carried the theme “Building on the Past, Advancing towards the Future: Geology in the Era of Technology.” The programme showcased how geologists contribute to the responsible use of natural resources, the energy transition, climate change adaptation, and the development of resilient infrastructure. With global demand for geological expertise rising, the event placed special emphasis on skills development, professional mobility, and preparing the next generation of geoscientists with strong technical and ethical competencies.
Stay tuned – the call for bids for the 6th IPGC will be launched soon!
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87th EFG Council Meeting in Zaragoza
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The 87th EFG Council Meeting was held in Zaragoza, Spain, on 7 and 8 November 2025, in connection with the 5th International Professional Geology Conference (5th IPGC).
On 7 November, the Council Meeting took place as a public event at the 5th IPGC venue, open to all conference participants. During this first day, the EFG National Association members delivered presentations summarising their recent activities and upcoming plans. On 8 November, the internal part of the meeting was hosted by ICOG and held at the association’s Aragón regional branch. The EFG Board and Secretariat presented their ongoing work and plans for the coming months.
We thank ICOG for hosting the meeting and all EFG National Associations for their active participation, both in person and online!
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Dr Michiel van der Meulen honoured with EFG Medal of Merits
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Dr. Michiel van der Meulen, a distinguished figure in geology and EFG Delegate for the Netherlands (Royal Geological and Mining Society of the Netherlands), received the 2025 EFG Medal of Merit. The award ceremony took place during the closing session of the 5th IPGC, where EFG President David Govoni presented the medal. The Medal of Merit recognises individuals who, in the view of the EFG Council, have made exceptional and distinguished contributions to the Federation or to the geological profession in Europe.
Michiel is among the most outstanding geologists of the Netherlands, and actively involved with the European Federation of Geologists. As Chief Geologist of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands, he is committed to a wide range of topics such as geohazards, economic geology, and geological mapping. In addition, he is prominently involved in promoting our profession among all ranks of society.
Congratulations on the award!
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CRM-geothermal session at the European Parliament
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EFG co-organised a high-level session at the European Parliament in Brussels on 20 November 2025, as part of the EU-funded CRM-geothermal project, which is pioneering sustainable methods to extract critical raw materials (CRMs) from geothermal fluids. The event was hosted by MEP Nicolás González Casares, who highlighted the opportunities offered by combined solutions such as CRM-geothermal, which can strengthen strategic autonomy while reducing energy costs for households.
Panellists underscored the potential of combining geothermal energy production with critical raw materials extraction to strengthen Europe’s clean energy value chains, foster regional development, and contribute to the EU’s broader decarbonisation agenda, while creating tangible benefits for citizens.
The key event outcomes and resulting CRM-geothermal policy recommendations have been summarised in a high-level report.
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