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.
ISSMGE Created
ISRM Created
IAEG Created
Permanent Co-ordinating Secretariat (PCS) of the SGs Created
IGS Created
Continued Discussion
Conference GeoEng2000 in Melbourne with ISSMGE, ISRM and IAEG
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.
Conference GeoEng2000 in Melbourne with ISSMGE, ISRM and IAEG
Joint European Working Group (JEWG) Created
Presidents Sign Agreement and Appoint the Joint Task Force (JTF) to Develop a Federation
JTF report back: Formal structure with board
The historic meeting of the Presidents of the Sister Societies at the LNEC in Lisbon
JTF report accepted: Statement of principles
All 3 councils accept statement of principles
Terms of agreement finalized
ISRM, IAEG councils approve
ISSMGE council approves
FedIGS Established – William Van Impe Named President
FedIGS inaugural meeting in London
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
Prof. Chungsik Yoo elected President of FedIGS
The IGS immediate Past-President
Chungsik Yoo was elected President of the Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies (FedIGS), for the 4-year term starting on 15 July 2022. Prof. Yoo succeeds Prof. Xia-Ting Feng as President of the Federation.
JTC1: Natural Slopes and Landslides Committee
Prof. Gonghui Wang, Japan, ISSMGE
JTC2: Representation of Geo-engineering Data Committee
Prof. Hehua Zhu, China, ISRM
JTC3: Education and Training Committee
Prof. Jean Hutchinson, Canada, IAEG
JTC4: Environment and Geo-Engineering Sustainability
Mr. Yuse Lajiminmuhip, USA, IGS
