What is an AGU “section”?
Geoscience is a large and diverse field encompassing many disciplines and topical areas. To make things more manageable and to help colleagues find each other, AGU developed sections that represent various topical areas of the geosciences. AGU Fall Meeting sessions and abstracts are categorized under one or more of these sections, making it easier to search for sessions of interest. For a list of the current AGU sections and more information, see the
AGU sections website.
What is the main goal of the AGU Science and Society (SY) section?
The SY section’s detailed goals and statement of purpose are available
here. Broadly, our aim is to provide a welcoming space for members interested in SY-related issues in order to get to know each other, discuss how our work connects to science and society, enable diverse collaborations, and increase the societal impact of geosciences. We aim to provide an entry for non-traditional AGU disciplines into the AGU community, and create stronger connections between societies and geosciences through facilitating both research and practice. We hope this brings about innovation that enables discoveries and solutions in the geosciences to benefit humanity.
What are Science and Society (SY) section “tracks”?
The SY section uniquely encompasses research, practice, communication, art, policy and governance, and many other kinds of scientific and societal actions. SY focal areas are categorized into 5 key tracks: Science Policy, Community and Citizen Science, Science Communication, Art and Science, and Social and Behavioral Science. More information on these tracks are available
here.
How can I engage with the AGU Science and Society section?
Our
Join Us list summarizes a number of ways you can participate with us. Many of these opportunities arise during and leading up to the
AGU Fall Meeting held every December. At the Fall Meeting, we host several conference sessions on SY topics and organize networking and business events where SY members can get to know one other and section leadership. To learn more about how to join the SY section, submit a session proposal/abstract, or to volunteer, please use
this Join Us link.
What is the AGU Fall Meeting and how do I attend?
The AGU Fall Meeting is the primary gathering for Earth and space researchers, students, and associated communities to share scientific findings and identify innovative solutions. Attending the AGU Fall Meeting requires an AGU annual membership and AGU Fall meeting registration. More information on attending the Fall Meeting can be found
here.
I am interested in submitting a session proposal or an abstract for the AGU Fall Meeting, but I am not sure how. Is there any help?
AGU has supporting materials to help first-timers put together session proposals and abstracts. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Fall Meeting can be found
here. For any SY-specific questions, contact our
SY leadership team who are happy to assist.
I am interested in participating in the AGU Fall Meeting, but the membership and registration costs are too high. Is there any support?
AGU’s mission is to promote an inclusive scientific culture and foster participation of underrepresented groups across Earth and space sciences. As part of this mission, AGU provides reduced or free registration for the following members: high school and middle school students, K-12 teachers and informal educators, Indigenous community members, teachers and students from Tribal and Territorial colleges, as well as any members from low- or middle-income countries. Learn more
here.
How is the SY section ensuring that justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) are key driving forces of section activities?
The SY section acknowledges and recognizes that there is a lot to be done in order to better incorporate JEDI into our principles and actions. One of our main aims is hence: “To elevate geosciences in diverse communities, especially those historically underserved by and underrepresented in science… create a welcoming community for all to maintain strong connections and partnerships with the Earth and space sciences.” Some of our actions in this regard are
here. In case you have any suggestions on how to improve our commitment and actions to JEDI, please contact our
SY leadership team.
Updated: June 27, 2022