The 5th International Professional Geology Conference (5th IPGC), jointly organised by the Spanish Official Association of Geologists (ICOG), the Portuguese Association of Geologists (APG), and the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), successfully concluded on 7 November 2025. Over three days, the event brought together more than 350 participants from across the world to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and highlight the evolving role of geoscience in society.
Hosted at the World Trade Center Zaragoza, this year’s conference carried the theme “Building on the Past, Advancing towards the Future: Geology in the Era of Technology.” The programme showcased how geologists contribute to the responsible use of natural resources, the energy transition, climate change adaptation, and the development of resilient infrastructure. With global demand for geological expertise rising, the event placed special emphasis on skills development, professional mobility, and preparing the next generation of geoscientists with strong technical and ethical competencies.
SCIENTIFIC HIGHLIGHTS & INNOVATION
The scientific programme included a broad range of sessions covering mineral resources, engineering geology, groundwater systems, natural hazards, environmental monitoring, digital geoscience, and geoethics. Industry partners and research organisations enriched the agenda through practical workshops, technology demonstrations, and expert-led discussions.
Participants also enjoyed networking activities, including a welcome reception at Zaragoza City Hall.
A key milestone was the unveiling of the new “Geology and Society” Chair at the University of Zaragoza, strengthening collaboration between academia and the professional geoscience community.
WELCOME SPEECHES & KEYNOTES
The 5th IPGC opened with contributions from the following high-level speakers:
- Cristina Lobillo Borrero (European Commission) – welcomed all participants and highlighted the crucial role of geological expertise in the implementation of several EU policies.
- Nieves Sánchez Guitián (President of Colegio Oficial de Geólogos) – encouraged participants to inspire future generations through this event.
- Mónica Sousa (Executive Director of the Associação Portuguesa de Geólogos, APG) – sharing a message from APG President Luís Lopes, reminded attendees to make the profession more visible, strengthen the link between research and practice, and remain alert to the worrying trend of geology departments closing in universities.
- David Govoni (President of the European Federation of Geologists, EFG) – underlined the value of the EurGeol title and celebrated international collaboration with sister organisations worldwide.
- Manuel Regueiro y González-Barros (CSIC, EIT RawMaterials Hub – Regional Center Southern Spain, and Past President of Colegio Oficial de Geólogos) – emphasised that even in a digital age, nothing replaces the value of meeting in person: behind every rock there is a story, and behind every story, there are people
- Dr. Mariano Marzo (Repsol) – special opening speaker, emphasising geology’s essential role in a sustainable future.
Keynote presentations formed a central part of the programme:
- Dr. Silvia Peppoloni (International Association for Promoting Geoethics, International Union of Geological Sciences) – on geoethics and the responsibilities of geological practice.
- Ernesto Díaz Orche (Geobrugg) – on the need for regulations ensuring the resilience of flexible risk-mitigation systems.
- Abel Romero Junquera (Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies, Spanish Navy General Corps.) – on the geopolitics and security of the Arctic.
- Victoria Olgado Azpiazu (Repsol) – on the TarraCO2 project assessing carbon storage potential in saline aquifers offshore Tarragona, Spain.
- Luis Martins (Cluster Portugal Mineral Resources) – on mineral resources and the digital age.
- Gonzalo Zamora Valcarce (Repsol) – on natural hydrogen.
- Dr. Michiel van der Meulen (Survey of the Netherlands) delivered a forward-looking address on the future of the profession in the context of energy, climate, and technological change
AWARDS
During the conference, the awardees of the Late-Breaking Student Poster Call were recognised for their research on critical raw materials (CRMs). Supported by EFG and the EU-funded BLOOM project, this initiative fostered student engagement by offering travel grants, full conference participation, and the opportunity to present their work to an international audience. The awardees were:
- Mahsa Pourmohammad Golloujeh (BLOOM awardee)
- Juan David S. (BLOOM awardee)
- Sebastian Walczak (EFG awardee)
In addition, at the closing ceremony, Dr. van der Meulen received the 2025 EFG Medal of Merit for his outstanding contribution to European geoscience and his commitment to open data, scientific collaboration, and professional excellence.
POLITICAL ATTENTION
The IPGC also received notable political attention. Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Head of the Energy Platform Task Force in DG ENER (European Commission), delivered an opening speech highlighting the crucial role of geological expertise in the successful implementation of key EU policies, including the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), and the Clean Industrial Deal. She emphasised that these initiatives aim to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and resilience while ensuring the highest environmental and labour standards.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
As part of IPGC 2025, an educational programme ‘Discover Earth Science: Inspiring Vocations‘ was organised for secondary school students to promote knowledge of Earth sciences and the geologist’s profession through hands-on, engaging activities.
Over two days, students rotated through interactive workshops led by faculty and researchers from the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Zaragoza, together with professionals from Geologists Without Borders. Each day, 40–48 students, divided into four groups, explored geology through experiments, observation, and real-world problem-solving.
The programme also included an introductory talk on geology studies, delivered by the Degree Coordinator of the University of Zaragoza, and concluded with a closing session and gifts for participants.
The main objective was to inspire scientific vocations, showing that geology not only helps us understand Earth’s past but also provides essential tools for addressing future challenges such as resource management, sustainability, water, and climate change.
In addition, the activity, PoCketON: Mission Save the Earth, was a fast-paced, hands-on learning experience designed for primary school students to discover geology through innovation. In short, time-boxed sessions, mixed teams ideate and build pocket-size Proofs of Concept (PoCs) that address real planetary challenges: coastal risks, plastic pollution, water scarcity, energy and materials, natural hazards, and more.
SPONSORS & GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
We thank all the sponsors and collaborating entities who made this event possible!
The sponsors supported the conference across the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories.
Platinum Sponsors:
Seequent, Repsol, Brunton, Geobrugg, Geoteck, APEC Global In.
Gold Sponsors:
Paleoymas, Control7, Terradat, IGME (Geological Survey of Spain)-CSIC, Amphos21, Genesis, BDG Berufsverband Deutscher Geowissenschaftler, Survey Groupe, Atalaya Mining, Screening Eagle, DDE World, Purple Rock, CNGeologi, Grupo SAMCA, Asturmine, EIT RawMaterials – RIS Hub Spain, SGS Beta Analytic, Aminer.
Silver Sponsors:
Andera Equipment, Sandfire MATSA, Geomatec, Energeo Alliance, AGGEP, DK-Dynamics, IAGOD, Piritas de Navajún, IGI (Institute of Geologists of Ireland), ANEFA, ARIDOS, Geo Hazard Advisors.
Bronze Sponsors:
HDOS, ESHYG, Geoscan, SEDPGYM, Maden Jeologari Dernegi.
In addition, more than 40 collaborating entities supported the event, reflecting strong global engagement in the geoscience community and reinforcing the international reach of the IPGC.
CLOSING REMARKS
The discussions in Zaragoza reaffirmed that the profession continues to play a central role in supporting sustainable development and addressing global challenges. The success of this year’s edition highlights that the IPGC remains an important platform for showcasing scientific innovation, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the visibility of geology in public decision-making.
With its strong international representation and comprehensive technical programme, the 5th IPGC has reinforced the significance of professional geology in shaping sustainable and resilient societies. Planning for the next edition will build on the momentum created in Zaragoza.
For further information, please visit the official website of the 5th IPGC.
Here you can find the photo album of the conference, and below a gallery with a selection of pictures.
The call for bids for the 6th IPGC will be launched very soon. Stay tuned for more information!
