The International Geological Congress is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization whose meetings are held in collaboration with, and under sponsorship of, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The IUGS holds its General Assemblies in conjunction with Sessions of the IGC. The main purpose of the Congress is to encourage the advancement of fundamental and applied research in the earth sciences world-wide.
Read more about the 33rd IGC organisation
IGC history
During the mid 19th century, the necessity of holding an international congress was strongly felt among the community of geologists in Europe and North America. In 1875 a committee of leading geoscientists was formed to consider the organisation of an international geological congress. The first International Geological Congress was held during the Paris Exposition of 1878, with 310 members from 23 countries participating. Since then, 31 more congresses have been hosted by more than 21 countries throughout the world at 3- to 5-year intervals.
The 33rd Session will be held 6-14 August 2008 in Oslo, Norway.
The 34th Session is planned for Brisbane, Australia, in August 2012.
Read more about the IGC history (IUGS website)