SEG Foundation announces GSA as first professional Society to become a Geoscientists Without Borders® Supporter

TULSA, OKLAHOMA (1 June 2012) – Geoscientists Without Borders® (GWB) recently gained its first Society Supporter of the flagship program after The Geological Society of America's (GSA) Council approved the partnership Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at its recent meeting in Boulder, Colorado. The agreement was signed by both the GSA and the SEG Foundation.

This new agreement will effectively broaden the reach of GWB as well as leverage the opportunity and information access to GSA members. "We are particularly pleased to welcome the GSA to our GWB community. The GSA is an outstanding organization with a wide-ranging membership of enthusiastic geoscientists. Their community is warmly received," said SEG Foundation Chair Tom Smith.

As a Geoscientists Without Borders® Supporting Society, GSA will promote GWB in its publications and website; provide space and a special session at the GSA Annual Meeting; and also assist the SEG Foundation in finding potential investors in the GWB program. In turn, the SEG Foundation will recognize GSA at the SEG Annual Meeting in reference to GWB and also in The Leading Edge when GWB is featured. Additionally, GSA and the SEG Foundation will collaborate on publicity for the GWB.

"The Geological Society of America is pleased to have the opportunity to act as an official Supporter of the Geoscientists Without Borders® humanitarian program. This is an excellent program and we hope that it will continue to grow and further extend its tremendous efforts around the world," said GSA Past President John Geissman of the partnership.

Geoscientists Without Borders® is changing lives around the world. Four years ago, the program did not exist … but today, 14 projects have been awarded with 12 currently in the field around the world and each of these projects is not only making a direct impact in those countries, but also impacting the reputation of geophysics around the world. The mission of GWB is to support humanitarian applications of geoscience around the world.

"We are building the bridge to the GSA. This is the first step, but this is how every voyage starts," said Geoscientists Without Borders® Chair Roel Snieder.

About SEG
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (www.seg.org), the international society of applied geophysics, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the science of geophysics and the education of applied geophysicists. SEG fosters the expert and ethical practice of geophysics in the exploration and development of natural resources, in characterizing the near surface, and in mitigating Earth hazards. The Society, which has more than 32,000 members in 138 countries, fulfills its mission through its publications, conferences, forums, Web site, and educational opportunities.

About GWB
GWB was established by the SEG Foundation in 2008 with a US $1 million leadership investment from Schlumberger. Geoscientists Without Borders® is transforming lives around the world by providing humanitarian application of geoscience solutions to global problems by connecting universities and industries with communities in need. Projects include the application of geophysical science, information and technology to improve poor conditions or mitigate dangerous conditions and hazards. For more information on Geoscientists Without Borders®, please visit www.seg.org/gwb.

About GSA
Established in 1888, The Geological Society of America 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 Geological Society's growing membership unites thousands of earth scientists from every corner of the globe in a common purpose to study the mysteries of our planet and share scientific findings.

SEG Media Relations
Whitney Emerick
Manager of Marketing & Communications
918.497.5523
wemerick@seg.org