seg.org - Frequently asked questions about Geoscientists Without Borders

Geoscientists Without Borders^®

Who runs Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB)?

The Geoscientists Without Borders Program is operated by the SEG Foundation. They started GWB with a Founding donation of $1 million from Schlumberger/WesternGeco to the SEG Foundation for the start up of the GWB Program.

Where can I get information about GWB?

Updated information about GWB and its requirements and procedures will always be located on the SEG Online. The URL is www.seg.org/gwb.
Criteria for a good proposal is outlined in the GWB web pages
Cover pages and other information about GWB proposal process is available on the GWB web pages for download.
You can email questions to withoutborders@seg.org.

How are the projects selected?

Project selection is a two step process. Phase I is a two-page application that will be reviewed by the GWB Committee. The Committee selects the applications that best meet the objectives of GWB and the criteria for projects. Those applicants are then asked to submit a full proposal in 30 days for Phase II of the process.
Phase II proposals must be no more than 20 pages and are due 30 days after Phase I results notification. The Committee reviews the full proposals and selects projects that it then recommends to the SEG Foundation Board for approval and funding.

What are GWB objectives?

GWB objectives are to provide support to projects that provide a humanitarian benefit to a community or area of need using geophysical technology and involving students in the process so that they can learn how the technology can be used for humanitarian goals and to provide real world experience to the future geophysical workforce.

How can I participate?

There are many ways to participate. You can submit a Phase I application for a project, work on someone else's project, donate labor, equipment, or knowledge to a project, donate funding to the GWB program through the SEG Foundation, or donate funding to a particular project through the applicant's organization. You could ask your company to donate to GWB.
To volunteer, email a resume to withoutborders@seg.org. All resumes will be forwarded to the project manager for consideration. GWB does not fund travel expenses for volunteers.

How much funding is available for a project?

Where did the funding come from?

The Founding Donor to the GWB Program was Schlumberger/WesternGeco with a $1 million grant to the SEG Foundation. Additional corporate donors are listed under the donor section. The full funding comes from gifts to the SEG Foundation. Your SEG dues do not pay for the GWB projects.

How long is a project?

The maximum length of a funded project is 2 years. The second year funding is not automatic. A first year report is required and the funding request is reviewed by the GWB Committee.

What sort of proposals are you looking for?

GWB looks for a good sound proposal that is technically sound, well organized, involves the community that will benefit and creates sustainable benefits. The project must have knowledgeable leadership, connections to the communities where the work will be accomplished and present a thorough and justifiable budget.

When are proposals due?

Phase I applications are due to the SEG Foundation two times a year. This schedule is designed to coincide with funding of field work in summers for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The next due date is always posted at the top of the GWB web page.

What are the due dates?

What projects have been chosen so far?

A list of selected projects is posted on the Web page under Current Projects. Detailed fact sheets on each project and reports from the managers are also posted there.

What is the "Friends of GWB" and how do I get involved?

The Friends of GWB is a proposed communication network that will allow individuals who are interested in the activities of GWB to communicate with each other and to follow GWB developments. The system is not online yet, but will be coming in the first quarter of 2009. There will be mechanisms to connect with others to work together in an area, volunteer time or knowledge to a project or arrange for equipment loans or just to discuss GWB directions and goals. If you want to be a part of the start up of the project email your interest and any recommendations for the "network" capabilities to withoutborders@seg.org.

Do students have to be included in the project?

Students should be a part of the project to be reviewed favorably. The intent of GWB is in part to provide opportunities for the future workforce to see the value of geophysics for humanitarian uses and to prepare them with real-world experience. The number included is up to the proposer.

Are there project types that will not be accepted?

Due to the limitation of funding and the liability issues around the work, proposals related to unexploded ordnances will not be accepted.
Proposals that are located in a country where US funding is restricted based on United States rules or sanctions cannot be funded.
Proposals that include any political agenda, lobbying, proselytizing, or other activities not pertinent to the GWB program mission will not be accepted.
Proposals from any group that does not have verified non-profit status cannot be funded.

Can I see someone else's proposal, especially if they got an award?

No. It is the property of the proposer. Abstracts and other information will be posted about a selected project. You can see the information generated by the project. It will be posted on the SEG Online as it is available and can be requested.

Who decides what gets funded?

The SEG Foundation has created a Geoscientists Without Borders^® Program Committee. The members come from the SEG membership and serve up to two terms on the Committee.

Does the project have to have a geophysical technology?