Events & Courses

South Africa will be hosting the 35th World Cup of Geosciences in 2016, the Prestigious International Geological Congress (IGC) which is held every 4 years and is undoubtedly the most important activity of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).

The event will showcase the region’s geoscientific superlatives; world-famous geology and geoheritage together with its geological and scenic wonders. All will be discussed during the scientific debate provided for in an extremely diverse scientific programme of oral and poster presentations, workshops, short courses and business meetings.

The Council for Geoscience, together with the Geological Society of South Africa and other collaborators from academia and industry, currently lead the preparations for the 35th IGC in South Africa. The objectives of the IGC are as follows:

• Contribute, in collaboration with and under sponsorship of the IUGS, to the advancement of fundamental and applied research in the geological sciences.
• Provide a general assembly of geoscientists spanning a wide range of geoscience disciplines where ideas and information can be freely exchanged.
• Emphasise the geological specialities or challenges of the host country or region.
• Provide the opportunity, by way of geological excursions, to examine geological problems and features in the field. 

Scientific Programme

Main themes:

1. Geoscience for Society
2. Geoscience in the Economy
3. Fundamental Geoscience

Relevant sub-themes and joint session

1. Resourcing Future Generations

The Geological Society, IAPG, EFG and EuroGeoSurveys are convening a joint session as part of the IUGS initiative on Resourcing Future Generations.

Important Dates

• 31 October 2014 - Deadline for submission of symposia/ workshops/ short courses
• April 2015 - Abstract submission opens.
• 2 November 2015 - Early registration opens (available until 31 May, 2016).
• 29 February 2016 - Abstract submissions closes.
• 31 March 2016 - Notification of acceptance or otherwise of abstracts.
• 31 May 2016 - Close of presenter registration and payment for presenters (oral and poster) or removal from the Congress Programme.
• 1 June 2016 - Standard registration opens.
• 27 August 2016 - An premium on-site registration fee will apply to all registrations received on-site.

Further information

Visit the IGC website for more information.