About The CSEG Foundation
The CSEG Foundation is the registered charitable arm of the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG). Our mission is to encourage and support scientific, educational and charitable activities that benefit geophysicists through the solicitation of contributions aimed at promoting the development of geophysical knowledge, education and public awareness. Based in Calgary, we are a Canadian foundation with initiatives all across Canada.
Our activities are intended to supplement and support other CSEG committees by creating and increasing the Foundation’s endowments in order to:
- Establish programs supporting education in geophysics and the earth sciences;
- Support post-secondary education in geophysics and the earth sciences, including the CSEG scholarship programs;
- Support continuing education of geophysicists;
- Support scientific activities and academic research programs;
- Support the development and improvement of geophysical methods;
- Liaise with other geophysical foundations throughout the world (e.g. SEG Foundation)
- Support the preservation of the history of geophysical exploration.
The activities of the CSEG Foundation are carried out by dedicated volunteer CSEG members. Across Canada, the CSEG has a membership of 600, which includes a student membership of 100. Its aim is to promote the science of geophysics as well as fellowship and cooperation among members.
The inspiration to form the CSEG Foundation and raise funds to support these activities come from the CSEG members’ strong commitment to their profession and desire to create awareness and support study of the science of geophysics.
CSEG Foundation Directors 2021-22
- Laurie Weston, Chair
- David Eaton, Vice-Chair
- Ron Newman, Past Chair
- Colleen Whelehan, Treasurer
- Pavlo Cholach, Assistant Treasurer
- Andy Williams, Outreach
- Kathleen Dorey, CSEG Board Rep
- Kristy Manchul, Communications
- Darren Kondrat, Fund Development
- Steven Quan, Scholarships
- Felix Oghenekohwo, TGLS
- Jim Racette, CSEG Managing Director
Our Programs
The CSEG Foundation operates a wide array of programs:
- The academic Scholarship program, established over 30 years ago, which awards up to $40,000 per year in scholarships to deserving geoscience students in universities across Canada. It is being extended to include students in post-secondary technical institutes.
- The national Canadian Distinguished Lecture Tour an annual event that started in 2005. Many post-secondary Geoscience departments across Canada host an industry or academic expert who delivers a presentation highlighting topics of current interest.
- Outreach programs, including:
- The Schools and Public Outreach, offering information to students and the public at schools, career fairs and events across Canada.
- Earth Science for Society, an annual three day, free exhibition with hands-on geoscience activities for the public and junior high school students.
- The Ambassador program, where CSEG volunteers host and coordinate events for Geoscientists across Canada.
- The Challenge Bowl competition for post-secondary students, held each year in Calgary and Atlantic Canada. The Foundation sponsors the Canadian winners’ attendance at the International Challenge Bowl final.
- The University Student Outreach program, which provides training, networking, and mentoring opportunities for students, supports post-secondary geoscience conferences, and assists with student membership fees.
- The Travel Grant and Learning Subsidy program, to help CSEG members develop their professional geoscience knowledge or skills by supporting educational opportunities. Many post-secondary student members have received funds to travel to national or international Geoscience conferences.