The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce that it will now serve as the adhering organization for continued U.S. membership in six International Science Unions (ISUs): IUBS (Biological Sciences), IUGG (Geodesy and Geophysics), IUGS (Geological Sciences), INQUA (Quaternary Research), IUSS (Soil Sciences), and IGU (International Geographical Union). The existing U.S. National Committees (USNCs) for each union will continue their work, and their chairs will also serve on the new, integrated USNC for Earth and Life Science Unions. [Read More]

Alexandria, Va. – The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is saddened to share the news that colleague and friend Dr. P. Patrick Leahy passed August 7, 2026. Leahy served as AGI’s Executive Director from 2007-2016 during which he oversaw AGI change its name, greatly expanding the scope and number of member societies. He transformed AGI into a globally focused organization and broadened its reach to the geoscience community. Dr. Leahy also served as Executive Director of the AGI Foundation (AGIF) from 2016-2022. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — It’s time to place your advance order for the 2026 Earth Science Week (ESW) Toolkit. Ordering now allows earth science educators, outreach providers, parents, and others to get early access to resources that grow awareness of the Earth. With a format that emphasizes use of online resources, the 2026 kit is part of the annual Earth Science Week celebration (October 11-17), which this year focuses on the theme “Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce that longtime AGI Director of Geoscience Profession and Higher Education Dr. Christopher Keane is assuming the role of AGI Interim Executive Director. Dr. Keane has provided leadership in the geoscience profession for nearly 30 years. As Director of Geoscience Profession and Higher Education, he has been leading AGI’s portfolio of efforts in workforce, policy, and technical geoscience activities. Some specific programs include ongoing workforce data as part of the Geoscience Profession Data Dashboard, broadening policy awareness through the Geoscience PolicyApp and the William L. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to name Dr. A. Ester Sztein, Director of International Programs at The Geological Society of America (GSA), as the 2026 recipient of the AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Public Understanding of the Geosciences. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Sztein has transformed how people around the world engage with geoscience by breaking down barriers of culture, geography, and access. Her leadership has connected scientists, educators, students, and institutions across international boundaries, creating new opportunities for collaboration while strengthening public appreciation of Earth science and its importance to society. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Dr. Stephen G. Wells, previous President of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), has been awarded the American Geosciences Institute’s (AGI) 2026 Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal, recognizing a lifetime of exceptional achievement and leadership in the geosciences. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, Dr. Wells has distinguished himself as a pioneering researcher, educator, mentor, and institutional leader whose influence has shaped the geoscience profession across academia, research organizations, and scientific societies. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is proud to announce that Dr. Sandra J. Carlson, distinguished paleontologist and Professor Emerita in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Davis, has been named the 2026 recipient of the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI. This award is given in recognition of exceptional and beneficial long-term service to the Institute. Dr. Carlson’s impact has spanned governance leadership, financial stewardship, program development, and deep commitment to the geoscience community. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Spring 2026 issue of AGI Connections, the online newsletter of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), is now live, highlighting the powerful impact of AGI and its global federation of geoscience affiliates and partners. This issue spotlights the ideas, innovations, and collaborations shaping the geoscience enterprise today. Headlines include: New Directory of Geoscience Departments App Applauded ‘Join Us in Geoscience Enterprise Rising’ Earth Science Week Enhances Access with Online Resources Congressional Fellow Offers Geoscience Perspective in DC Groundwater and Soil Contamination Database Thrives New from AGI Geoscience Event Calendar “AGI Connections showcases the people, programs, and innovations accelerating progress across policy, education, and resource management,” said AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is saddened to share the news that colleague and friend Dr. Robert W. Ridky passed away recently. An AGI Past Member of the Executive Committee (Board of Directors), Ridky won the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI (2002) for his exceptional leadership in earth science education, including improving field-training opportunities for students entering the geosciences. He served as a professor of geology, science education, and related subjects at the University of Maryland starting in the early 1970s, when he first became an active member of the AGI Education Committee and participant in the Earth Science Curriculum Project. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) today announced the launch of Geoscience Enterprise Rising, a focused framework for strategic action to ensure that geoscience continues to drive innovation, resilience, and prosperity for generations to come. Energy. Water. Critical minerals. Hazard resilience. Infrastructure. National security. Economic competitiveness. All depend on geoscience. Yet today, the enterprise that supports these essential systems is at risk. A convergence of challenges — including workforce shortages, declining student enrollment, aging data infrastructure, and limited integration of geoscience into policy decisions — threatens the geoscience community’s ability to respond to these growing environmental and economic demands. [Read More]