EFG is reinforcing its Panels of Experts

 

During its last meeting in Delft, the EFG Council has updated regulation N3 regarding “Working Groups and Panels of Experts”. EFG’s Panels of Experts are a platform encouraging the collaboration among professionals from different European countries working in the same field of geosciences. They have been set up to provide high quality advice and information to the European institutions, to international NGO’s and to global professional associations, and to emphasise the importance of geology to society. Earlier in 2019, the Panels of Experts on CCS, Geothermal Energy and Minerals have for instance jointly published a position paper on “Geology and the energy transition”. The experts also participate in public hearings, conferences and meetings relevant to the geological profession.

10 Panels are currently supporting EFG in fulfilling its mission of representing geoscientists all across Europe. These Panels are active in the following fields:

  • CCS
  • Education
  • Geological Heritage
  • Geotechnics
  • Geothermal Energy
  • Hydrogeology
  • Natural Hazards and Climate Change
  • Minerals and their sustainable use
  • Soil Protection
  • Oil & Gas

To strengthen the Panels, the EFG Council has decided that from now on members must be European Geologist title holders. A transition period has been established during which the following rules will apply:

  • As of January 2019, all new members of the Panels must be European Geologists.
  • As of January 2020, the Coordinators of the Panels must be European Geologists.
  • As of January 2021, all members of the Panel of Experts must be European Geologists.

As an exception, external specialists may be invited to become a Panel member.

This measure underlines EFG’s endeavour to promote and increase professional certification in the geosciences profession and will increase the credibility of the expert panels. The European Geologist (EurGeol) title implies that the holder is able to provide a high quality of services within the practice of geology, as he/she has achieved suitable academic training and a level of professional experience, skill and competence to perform tasks within their professional practice. EurGeol title holders also undertake continuing education and training, demonstrating a personal commitment to stay up to date and informed within the sphere of their professional work. Certification increases the confidence of employers, clients, public institutions and the general public in the services provided by geoscientists.

If you are interested in applying to the EurGeol title or joining one of the Panels of Experts, please contact info.efg@eurogeologists.eu for further information.