PNG Joins International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics
PNGUoT is proud to serve as Papua New Guinea’s Adhering Body to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG). This follows the IUGG Council’s unanimous approval of PNG’s full membership application on the 29th of September 2025, making PNG the 75th member of the IUGG.
The successful application was driven by strong advocacy from Dr. Richard Stanaway of the School of Surveying and Land Studies at PNGUoT, who will serve as IAG Correspondent and Secretary of the PNG national committee.
Dr Stanaway said, PNG’s admission to IUGG recognizes the country’s scientific potential and its strategic importance.
“Papua New Guinea sits in a complex geodetic and geodynamic region of the southwest Pacific, where active tectonics, volcanism, seismicity, and varied climatic and hydrological systems present critical opportunities for research and international collaboration.”
The IUGG is the peak international scientific body representing the many Earth science disciplines. The IUGG brings together eight international scientific associations that specialise in the scientific disciplines of geodesy, seismology, volcanology, oceanography, meteorology, geomagnetism, hydrology and glaciology. The IUGG convenes international scientific assemblies and advocates strongly for collaborative research, outreach and education in the fields of geodesy and geophysics.
The national committee members appointed to represent Papua New Guinea within IUGG are:
- Professor Ora Renagi — President (Vice‑Chancellor, PNGUoT)
- Dr Richard Stanaway — Secretary and IAG Correspondent (School of Surveying and Land Studies, PNGUoT)
- Mr Gideon Aiyowa — IAGA Correspondent (School of Applied Physics, PNGUoT)
- Ms Stephanie Konts — IAHS Correspondent (School of Mechanical Engineering, PNGUoT)
- Professor Felix Pereira — IAMAS Correspondent (School of Applied Physics, PNGUoT)
- Professor Ahmad Sana — IAPSO Correspondent (School of Civil Engineering, PNGUoT)
- Mr Simon Kawagle — IASPEI Correspondent (Earth Sciences Division, UPNG)
- Mr Suame Ampana — IAVCEI Correspondent (School of Applied Physics, PNGUoT)
Looking ahead, PNG representatives are expected to be active participants at the 29th IUGG General Assembly in Incheon, Korea, 16–22 July 2027, offering opportunities to present national research, forge collaborations, and pursue joint projects that address the pressing geophysical and environmental challenges facing Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific region.
This milestone marks a significant step for PNGUoT, the PNG scientific community, and the nation’s role in international geoscience.
