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Episodes 2024; 47(4): 699-708

Published online December 1, 2024

https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2024/02404s05

Copyright © International Union of Geological Sciences.

The history and current status of IUGS-COGE: two decades of progress in Global Geoscience Education

Ian Clark1*, Sandra Villacorta2, Scott Miller3, Susanna Occhipinti4

1 University of South Australia, Adelaide Australia
2 CSIRO, ARRC, Kensington, WA 6151, Australia
3 Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, FL USA
4 Italian Geological Society and National Association of Natural Science Teachers

Correspondence to:*E-mail: Ian.Clark@unisa.edu.au

Received: January 16, 2024; Revised: September 10, 2024; Accepted: September 10, 2024

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the developmental trajectory and enduring impact of the Commission on Geoscience Education (COGE) under the auspices of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) from its inception in 1961 to 2024, including its formal establishment in 2004. Originally established as the Commission on Geoscience Education, Training, and Technology Transfer (COGEOTT) in 1990, COGE's evolution is explored against the backdrop of expanding global needs in geoscience education. The Commission's strategic reorientation from purely facilitating scientific conferences to addressing diverse educational demands across developed and developing countries is examined. In its various forms, COGE has consistently advocated improving geoscience education globally, and COGE's significant collaborative ventures, notably with the International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO) and the European Geosciences Union (EGU), highlight key achievements such as the formulation of an international geoscience curriculum and impactful educational publications. These collaborative efforts underscore COGE's instrumental role in shaping geoscience education on a global scale. Key independent achievements of the Commission include the establishment of the Geoscience Education Field Officers (GEFO) Program, the creation of the Chris King Medal for excellence in international geoscience education, ongoing partnerships with other global geoscience education organizations, and the recent reinvigoration of a social media presence to increase awareness of its initiatives. Despite these achievements, COGE faces new and persistent challenges, such as resource constraints and adapting to diverse educational systems. The Commission's innovative responses to these challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrate its resilience and commitment to advancing geoscience education globally. This showcases the importance of collaboration and innovation, amidst evolving circumstances.