The evolution of FedIGS can be summarized in the following two figures. In a first phase (1936 to 2000), ISSMGE, ISRM, IAEG, and then IGS were formed. There was a consistent desire to collaborate, several discussions took place but no formal structure was established and each attempt to get organized faded.
Phase I: 1936-2000
Phase 1
1936
ISSMGE Created
1962
ISRM Created
1964
IAEG Created
1980
Committee of SG’s
1983
IGS Created
1990
Continued Discussion
2000
Geo Engineer Conference
Phase II: 2000-2009
In the second phase (2000‐2009) there was a recognition that a formal structure was essential, and FedIGS bylaws were proposed. The councils of the three founding societies (ISSME, ISRM, and IAEG) approved the FedIGS bylaws. In 2010, FedIGS handled a significant restructuring with a simplified vision for the organization.
Phase II: 2000-2009
Phase 2
2000
Geo Engineer
2002
JEWG
2004
Presidents sign agreement, appoint JTF
2004
JTF report back: Formal structure with board
2005
JTF report accepted: Statement of principles
2005
All 3 councils accept statement of principles
2006
Terms of agreement finalized
2006
ISRM, IAEG councils approve
2007
ISSMGE council approves
2007
FedIGS Established – William Van Impe Named President
Phase III: 2009- The Present
1. No dues paid by member societies
2. FedIGS is unfunded; each member society pays its own way and so does the president
3. One meeting per year attended by presidents, past presidents and secretaries general
4. Limited number of joint technical committees in areas of clear overarching needs
5. No corporate associate members from industry
6. No FedIGS conferences; instead emphasize cooperation between member conferences
7. Emphasis on learning from each other and sharing successes and difficulties
8. Increase in size (IGS joins in 2014)
9. Simple web site currently sponsored by IGS
Presidents of FedIGS
Prof. Xia-Ting Feng elected President of FedIGS The ISRM immediate Past-President Prof.
Xia-Ting Feng was elected President of the Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies (FedIGS), for the 4-year term starting on 15 July 2018. Prof. Feng will succeed to Prof. Jean-Louis Briaud as President of the Federation.