Science Committee

Aims

• To stimulate the advancement of geological knowledge and to facilitate communication among professional geoscientists in academia, industry and government through events, publications, and other outreach activities

• To drive the delivery of the 2020 strategic science programme through support of the theme leaders and specialist groups and through the development and promotion of meetings and events

• To develop a high quality and relevant programme of scientific meetings and events

• To promote the scientific development of students and early career scientists by providing opportunities for engagement with the Society and the strategic science themes

• To grow links between the strategic science programme and the Society’s books and journals to support the flow of high quality science between these two outlets

Terms of reference

The Science Committee has primary responsibility for the delivery of the strategic science programme, which it will do by supporting and amplifying the work of the theme leaders and specialist groups. The Committee will drive the delivery of the 2020 conference strategy, including through soliciting relevant proposals and being fully involved in the development and delivery of approved conferences. The group must be financially responsible in its decisions, and therefore mindful of the appeal of conferences and themes.

Each committee member will be responsible for contributing to conference development as an assigned Science Committee Liaison to the convenor group; through this role, they will report back to the Science Secretary and Science Committee on the development of the programme and flag any potential problems or highlight areas for collaboration or amplification. They should pay particular attention to the financial viability of the conference, and report to the Science Secretary and Director of Science and Communications if the conference is off track from its budget.

Each member will also be responsible for liaising with relevant specialist groups to ensure a clear flow of information between the groups and the committee.

Membership

Membership of the Science Committee consists of:

• A member of the Geological Society Council and Science Secretary (chairperson)
• Geological Society Council members (three seats)
• Secretaries from any of the standing committees (optional)
• Fellows:
  • Two elected Professional and Scientific Interest Group (PSIG) sub-committee representatives
  • A representative from the Stratigraphy Commission
  • An Early Careers representative
  • A representative of a particular area otherwise unrepresented
• The Society's five Science Theme Leads
• Geological Society staff members, including the Chief Executive, the Science and Fundraising Officer (secretariat), the Director of Science and Communications, the Event Coordinator, the Training Course Lead, the Head of Policy and Engagement, the Head of Conference and Events, the Head of Editorial Development, and the Head of Editorial Development

Method of working

The committee will meet three times a year, typically virtually, in February, June, and October. Committee members will also be asked to attend the specialist group AGM held immediately before the June committee meeting. The committee will report to Council through the Science Secretary.

Approved by Council June 2023.