IUGS and ICSU
The International Union of Geological Sciences
The External Relations Committee is responsible for Geological Society adherence to IUGS (the International Union of Geological Sciences). IUGS is the umbrella body for national geoscience societies. It supports and sponsors the IGC (International Geological Congress) meetings held every four years.
The International Council for Science
The IUGS is a member of ICSU (the International Council for Science), along with the other international scientific unions. ICSU also has national members, usually the principal scientific academy or research council of a country - in the UK's case, the adhering body is the Royal Society.