Members
Following a survey concluded early 2017 the Commission currently has 36 active members from 17 countries with one third of them (12 members) being female.
Individual member profiles
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Young scientists support
The Commission wishes to attract students and young scientists interested in water sustainability and related topics. To this end members are encouraged to introduce their students and young colleagues to the activities of the Commission and use the regular meetings of the Commission to provide young scientists with a knowledgeable audience that cares for and supports first time presenters on international level.
The Commission will also assist young scholars in grant application and provide additional local support e.g. by identifying affordable accommodation, reduction in conference fees and logistical support wherever possible.
Rules on membership
Commission membership
Membership in the Commission is not confined to Geographers or academics but includes scientists and practitioners from all disciplines related to water, including natural and social sciences, engineering, medicine and law.
Membership is free of charge but requires maintaining a minimum of active participation in activities of the Commission e.g. by attending Commission meetings (including co-authoring papers without physical presence), contributions to newsletters, reports, publications, student exchange initiatives, collaborative projects, research visits, sharing of data, contribution to discussions, preparation and conduct of conferences, internal peer-review, paper editing assistance for other members etc. Where no such activities can be traced for an extended period of time (>2 years) members will be alerted to this fact before being eventually removed from the mailing list.
Benefits of membership in the Commission include but are not limited to the following:
- facilitating interactions with like-minded colleagues in the field of water sustainability by organising regular meetings with dedicated field trips on water-related topics organised by local members,
- issuing of official invitations for attending such meetings,
- where possible, presented papers will be published in conference proceedings and special editions of scientific journals
- facilitating professional networking within an internationally recognised scientific body
- if required certificates of membership can be issued,
- assistance of needy members for attending larger IGU conferences through supporting grant applications,
- assisting members with submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals through internal pre-reviews and identifying cost-efficient means for language editing using member networks,
- providing young scientists and students with opportunities to gain experiences in presenting on international level in a well-meaning environment
- facilitation of collaboration between members in form of mutual research visits, student exchange, guest professorships, joint project applications etc.
Appointing Chair and Steering Committee (SC) members (IGU rules)
Election process/ approval
- The Chair is to be appointed by the General Assembly
- The list of SC-members is to be approved by the Executive Committee
- Vacancies occurring after ExCo-approval may be filled by Commission
Restrictions
- There is a maximum of 11 SC-members (incl. the chair)
- No two SC-members should represent the same country (except secretaries supporting the chair)
- No SC-member should serve on another Commission’s SC
- Normal appointment period to SC is 4 years, maximum 8 years
- SC members who served as Chair may serve for a maximum of 12 years
Structure
- Each SC can have a Co-Chair, Vice Chair and a Secretary (if desired)
- SC candidates/ members should regularly attend meetings and have a track record of actively participating in the Commission’s activities in order to qualify for appointment/ justify continued representation at the SC.