Professional GeoScience & STEM Organizations
Professional GeoScience & STEM Organizations
Please find a list of Earth and space science-related organizations below. If you think there are important organizations missing from this list, please let us know by emailing .
AAAS - American Association for the Advancement of Science
The AAAS seeks to “advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people.” The world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher of cutting-edge research through its Science family of journals, AAAS has individual members in more than 91 countries around the globe. Membership is open to anyone who shares their goals and belief that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can help solve many of the challenges the world faces today.
AAPG - American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Founded in 1917, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists is currently the world’s largest professional geological society. The membership of AAPG includes geologists, geophysicists, CEOs, managers, consultants, students and academicians. The purpose of the organization is to foster scientific research, advance the science of geology, promote technology and inspire high professional conduct. Student-focused news and announcements provide up-to-date information from within AAPG as well as links to other student chapters and the AAPG Student Expo.
AEG - Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists
The Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG) contributes to its members’ professional success and the public welfare by providing leadership, advocacy, and applied research in environmental and engineering geology. AEG offers information on environmental and engineering geology useful to practitioners, scientists, students, and the public. Students interested in learning about student benefits should see Welcome to AEG for Students
AGI - American Geosciences Institute
AGI was founded in 1948, under a directive of the National Academy of Sciences, as a network of associations representing geoscientists with a diverse array of skills and knowledge of our planet. The Institute provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society’s use of resources, resilience to natural hazards, and the health of the environment.
AGU - American Geophysical Union
The purpose of the American Geophysical Union is to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. AGU galvanizes a community of Earth and space scientists that collaboratively advances and communicates science and its power to ensure a sustainable future. With nearly 60,000 members from 139 countries, AGU advances the Earth and space sciences by catalyzing and supporting the efforts of individual scientists across the globe.
AIPG - American Institute of Professional Geologists
The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), founded in 1963, is the largest association dedicated to promoting geology as a profession. It presently has more than 7,800 members in the U.S. and abroad, organized into 36 regional Sections. The Institute adheres to the principles of professional responsibility and public service and is the only international organization that certifies the competence and ethical conduct of geological scientists in all branches of the science with members employed in industry, government, and academia. AIPG emphasizes competence, integrity and ethics. AIPG is an advocate for the profession and communicates regularly to federal and state legislators and agencies on matters pertaining to the geosciences.
AWG - Association for Women Geoscientists
The Association for Women Geoscientists is an international organization devoted to enhancing the quality and level of participation of women in geosciences and to introduce girls and young women to geoscience careers. Membership is open to anyone who supports AWG’s goals. AWG members’ diverse interests and expertise cover the entire spectrum of geoscience disciplines and career paths, providing unexcelled networking and mentoring opportunities. AWG membership is brought together by a common love of earth science and the desire to ensure rewarding opportunities for women in the geosciences.
AWIS - Association for Women In Science
Founded in 1971, the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is the largest multi-disciplinary organization for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). AWIS is dedicated to driving excellence in STEM by achieving equity and full participation of women in all disciplines and across all employment sectors. AWIS reaches more than 20,000 professionals in STEM with members, chapters, and affiliates worldwide. Membership is open to any individual who supports the vision and mission of AWIS. AWIS champions the interests of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across all disciplines and employment sectors. Working for positive system transformation, AWIS strives to ensure that all women in these fields can achieve their full potential.
AWRA - American Water Resources Association
The mission of the AWRA is to advance multidisciplinary water resources education, management, and research. AWARA establishes a common meeting ground for physical, biological, and social scientists, engineers, and other persons concerned with water resources. Through open discussion, members of many different disciplines come together for joint action to resolve critical issues. AWRA’s programs and services are designed for AWRA to serve as a knowledge center for its members by providing new and innovative ways to solve real-life problems.
GSA - Geological Society of America
The Geological Society of America (GSA) is a global professional society with a growing membership of more than 26,000 individuals in 115 countries. GSA provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry. The Society unites thousands of earth scientists from every corner of the globe in a common purpose to study the mysteries of our planet (and beyond) and share scientific findings.
NAGB - National Association of Black Geoscientists
The National Association of Black Geoscientists (NAGB) is a nonprofit organization established in 1981 by a group of black geoscientists in the Houston/Dallas area. The NABG was organized to:
- Inform students of career opportunities that exist in the field of Geosciences
- Encourage them to take advantage of scholarship programs, grant, loans, etc., that are established for minority students.
- Give financial support to students pursuing degrees in Geology and Geophysics.
- Follow the educational careers of the scholarship recipients.
- Aid minority students in the search for summer employment and aid corporate members interested in obtaining summer employees for positions that will enhance the students’ background and marketability.
- Allow minority geologists and geophysicists to establish professional and inter-company relationships
- Assist in the development of professional standards and practices of members within their geoscience careers and entrepreneurial pursuits.
NAGT - National Association of Geoscience Teachers
The National Association of Geoscience Teachers works to raise the quality of and emphasis on teaching the geosciences at all levels. They count among their members K-12 teachers and college and university faculty as well as educators working with the general public through outlets such as museums and science centers. NAGT’s purpose is to foster improvement in the teaching of the Earth sciences at all levels of formal and informal instruction, to emphasize the cultural significance of the Earth sciences, and to disseminate knowledge in this field to the general public. In support of its mission, NAGT organizes the technical program in geoscience education at every Geological Society of America Annual Meeting.
NESTA - National Earth Science Teachers Association
The National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) is a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1983. Their mission is to facilitate and advance excellence in K-12 Earth and Space Science education while serving a diverse population of learners in formal and informal settings. They envision that all K-12 students will receive a quality Earth and Space Science Education.
NSBP - National Society of Black Physicists
Founded in 1977 at Morgan State University, the mission of the National Society of Black Physicists is to promote the professional well-being of African American physicists and physics students within the international scientific community and within society at large. The organization seeks to develop and support efforts to increase opportunities for African Americans in physics and to increase their numbers and visibility of their scientific work. It also seeks to develop activities and programs that highlight and enhance the benefits of the scientific contributions that African American physicists provide for the international community. The society seeks to raise the general knowledge and appreciation of physics in the African American community.
NSHP - National Society of Hispanic Physicists
The purpose of the National Society of Hispanic Physicists is to promote the professional well-being and recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic physicists within the scientific community of the United States and within society at large. The Society seeks to develop and support efforts to increase opportunities for Hispanics in physics and to increase the number of practicing Hispanic physicists, particularly by encouraging Hispanic students to enter a career in physics.
NSLMC - North Seattle Lapidary and Mineral Club
NSLMC is a group of individuals who’ve been meeting for more than 55 years promoting earth sciences, rock hunting, jewelry making and the like. Each month they feature a guest speaker who presents on various topics ranging from geologic studies to how to make cabochons. One of the purposes of the NSLMC is to advance the study and enjoyment of geology. For the past 40 years, the NSLMC has awarded a cash scholarship to a declared Earth Sciences major studying at a 4-year college/university in Washington State.
NWGS - Northwest Geological Society
The Northwest Geological Society is a non-profit educational organization which provides a forum for information and discussion on Northwest geology and related topics. The Society sponsors talks by leading academic and professional geologists at its monthly meetings, conducts field trips to locales of regional geologic interest, and publishes meeting summaries and field guides based on those activities. Membership is open to anyone interested in regional geoscience issues, and includes professionals, teachers, students, and others who have an interest in this field.
oSTEM - Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQA communities in the STEM fields. The national society has been built by students, for students. oSTEM started as a single chapter in 2005, and today encompasses more than 50 chapters across the country. This mission of oSTEM is to educate, empower, and engage a diverse community; to identify, address, and advocate for the needs of LGBTQA students in the STEM fields; and to fulfill these needs through mentorship connections, networking opportunities, strategic collaborations, and professional/leadership development. oSTEM envisions a world where all members of the STEM community can pursue their work in a safe and supportive environment that celebrates their contributions and differences.
SEG - Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Embracing a mission of connecting the world of applied geophysics, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) is a not-for-profit organization supporting 27,000 members from 128 countries. Founded in 1930, SEG provides information, tools, and resources vital to advancing the science of exploration geophysics, fostering common scientific interests, supporting humanitarian efforts, and accelerating geophysical innovation. Inspiring the geophysicists of today and tomorrow, SEG ‘s long-standing tradition of excellence in education, professional development, new business generation, and engagement cultivates a unique community platform that encourages collaboration and thought leadership for the advancement of geophysical science around the world.
SACNAS - Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.