[IGSMAIL-8752] 2026 Call for Participation - Chair of the IGS Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Working Group (IDEA WG) - Deadline 30 Oct 2026

[Rui Fernandes]

**

*Dear IGS Community, Dear Colleagues,*

*

The IGS Standing Elections Committee (SEC) and Governing Board (GB) are pleased 
to open a Call for Participation to Chair the IGS’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, 
and Accessibility Working Group (IDEA WG).


As per the IGS Terms of Reference 
<https://files.igs.org/pub/resource/governance/IGS-Terms-of-Reference.pdf>, the 
length of termfor the IDEA WG is at least one year with renewals being standard 
practice as long as the work continues.


This Call requires two people: either (1) a Chair and a Vice-Chair or (2) two 
Co-Chairs. In the former case, the Vice-Chair only steps in when the Chair 
cannot. In the latter case, the Co-Chairs share duties equally.


About the IDEA WG:Supporting the IGS 2021+ Strategic Plan 
<https://files.igs.org/pub/resource/strategic_plans/IGS_Strategic_Plan_2021.pdf>(Goal 
#3), the IDEA WG spearheaded efforts to uphold the IDEA principles within the 
IGS, and is currently working to apply them to the IAG as a whole. It notably 
established a Statement 
<https://geodesy.science/idea/working-groups/igs/statement/>supported and upheld 
by the IGS Governing Board, contributed to the development of a detailed Code of 
Conduct 
<https://files.igs.org/pub/resource/pubs/Guidelines_and_Code_of_Conduct_for_IGS_Events.pdf>enforced 
at IGS events, and supported the translation of IGS CORS Operations Guidelines 
in five of the six official UN languages in collaboration with the 
Infrastructure Committee. The WG also monitors and reports annually on progress 
made toward these goals (see, e.g., the 2025 IGS Technical Report 
<https://files.igs.org/pub/resource/technical_reports/2025_techreport.pdf>). For 
more details, please refer to the IDEA WG homepage 
<https://geodesy.science/idea/working-groups/igs/>.


There is no restriction in terms of eligibility, and anyone interested is 
invited to present their application. In particular, we strongly encourage 
community members from underrepresented regions and/or early-career individuals 
to apply - this WG is instrumental to the daily operation of the IGS and its 
long-term sustainability, and is an excellent introduction to the field of 
geodesy. We also warmly welcome professionals inside and outside of the field of 
geodesy - this WG is not technical and the work relies more on interpersonal and 
communication skills than uniquely on geodetic expertise.


Nominations should be sent to elections at igs.org <mailto:elections at igs.org>before 
the 30th of October 2026.Candidates must provide (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a 
short statement of intent, and (3) a letter of support from their organisation 
when applicable.


Applicants are expected to write their motivation letter themselves; AI tools 
may be used for language editing and proofreading, but not for generating the 
substantive content. For specific questions about the role, prospective 
candidates are welcome to write to elections at igs.org 
<mailto:elecations at igs.org>or cb at igs.org <mailto:cb at igs.org>.


Please feel free to distribute this Call to interested colleagues inside and 
outside your organisation!


The election process will be overseen and enforced by the IGS Standing Election 
Committee, which as of today consists of Rui Fernandes, Wolfgang Söhne, Benjamin 
Männel, and Ryan Keenan. SEC members will be responsible for reviewing, vetting, 
and approving all applications.

The election itself consists of an electronic vote by the IGS Governing Board 
taking place from the 15th of November 2026 to the 1st of December 2026. The 
elected candidate’s term will start on the 1st of January 2027.


Thank you for your consideration, interest, and cooperation.


Kind regards,


Rui Fernandes, on behalf of the Standing Elections Committee and Governing Board

*

-- 
Rui Fernandes
Principal Investigator at UBI - University of Beira Interior
Coordinator of Instituto D. Luis @ UBI
Coordinator of SEGAL - Space & Earth Geodetic Analysis Laboratory
Coordinator of C4G - Collaboratory for Geosciences
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9733-284X
WhatsApp: +351 919999300
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