The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) announced at its International Exposition and 77th Annual Meeting in San Antonio the Advancing Geophysics Today, Inspiring Geoscientists for Tomorrow campaign. This effort will accelerate the rate of geophysical innovation and knowledge transfer and will attract more young people to careers in the geosciences. The campaign goal is $15 million. Contributions from individuals and corporations are welcome.


SEG has more than 7,000 student members around the world. New student programs will include the Student Leadership Symposium, the SEG Challenge Bowl and the new Student Education Program. Expanded student programs will include support for geophysical summer field camps, travel grants for conferences and workshops, and a global scholarship program that encourages and rewards excellence. Sponsored student memberships will make the benefits of SEG student membership accessible to all, regardless of financial capacity. The new Geoscientists without Borders program will provide grant support to universities and communities for geophysical projects that provide humanitarian benefits, including the location of fresh water supplies, pollution remediation and natural hazard mitigation.


Programs that will advance the science and technology of applied geophysics today include expanded global Distinguished Lecturer and Distinguished Instructor tours. The new Regional Lecturer program will recognize regional excellence and transfer this knowledge to those who can benefit the most. These lecturers and instructors will bring geophysical expertise and encouragement to more than 60 SEG Sections and affiliated societies and more than 180 SEG Student Sections around the world.


SEG Online will make geophysical expertise available wherever and whenever needed by SEG’s 27,000 members. This fundamentally new Internet presence will provide global access to applied geophysical knowledge, including publications, conference presentations, distinguished lectures, continuing education courses, research activities, vendor expertise, university programs, career information and peer collaboration. It will reach out to youth and students in the medium they understand.


“The SEG Foundation has for many years awarded scholarships to the most accomplished students pursuing careers in geophysics. However, the increasing worldwide demand for natural resources and sustainable development requires that the SEG Foundation partner with visionary individual and corporate leaders to support the new initiatives undertaken by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists,” said Gary Servos, chair of the SEG Foundation Board. “This campaign will benefit professionals and students around the globe; and through their efforts the communities they live in, the universities they study at, and the corporations and institutions they work for. This is a bold plan for the future that will raise the society and the professions we serve to a new level of excellence. I am very pleased to honor the individuals and corporations recognized for their leadership today.”


Early commitments from leadership investors have been announced. Individuals who are committed to the future of the profession have generously donated $3.4 million, largely in endowments for new scholarships and summer field camp grants. Corporate leaders have invested $6.3 million in multi-year commitments. The society honored several corporations during the meeting, including Anadarko Petroleum, Chevron, China National Petroleum Company (CNPC), CGGVeritas, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, ION, Paradigm and Schlumberger.


“Our society has advanced the science and technology of applied geophysics for 77 years. We are now entering a period of great challenge and opportunity, as the demand for high technology and talented people increases in the industries we serve” stated Leon Thomsen, outgoing SEG President. “Our membership has grown by 90% in the last 10 years, and more than 60% of them live outside of the United States. SEG’s priorities are clear: to serve a global membership, to accelerate the pace of geophysical innovation and to inspire the geoscientists of tomorrow. This requires both committed volunteers and financial resources.”

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