IGS sets plans for 2021

Published On: November 16, 2020

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) officers and council committee members met online recently to confirm developments and set priorities for the year ahead.

Highlights during the virtual meetings included official confirmation of the IGS’s new charitable body, the IGS Foundation. The organization aims to improve the learning and adoption of geosynthetics worldwide. It will build on more than $100,000 of donations already received.

The popular IGS Educate the Educators (EtE) program was also strengthened with the ratification of EtE Minimum Guidelines, outlining the basic requirements expected at any activity. This will help members deliver an event with impact.

The chairs of committees were formally confirmed, as well as the creation of the Sustainability Committee, which was previously a task force. Chaired by IGS vice president Nathalie Touze, it is committed to proactively furthering the understanding of the positive role geosynthetics can play in a sustainable future. Other committee chairs were confirmed as Pietro Rimoldi (TC-R), Eric Blond (TC-H) and Jonathan Shamrock (TC-B).

A new task force was also created to develop an IGS University Online Lecture Series.

Discussions also centered on how each committee could plan activities that incorporated the aims of IGS president Chungsik Yoo’s strategic plan, which are to:

  • Enhance and optimize technical committee activities
  • Improve education and knowledge sharing through up-to-date communication tools
  • Enhance awareness of geosynthetics for sustainable development and global challenges
  • Get connected with members
  • Get more young members involved