The IGS Diversity Committee was founded as a task force in 2023 and The International Geosynthetics Society is a dedicated community of people, companies and organizations who believe that geosynthetics play a key role in solving societal challenges with sustainable technological and engineering solutions. Our Society includes a diverse range of global participants from various countries, career paths, economic statuses and education levels. This includes the professor teaching geosynthetic applications, the designer using geosynthetics in their design, the student learning about sustainable development using geosynthetics, and the field installer deploying a geosynthetic liner system or geosynthetic asphalt overlay product. To be truly effective, we must include everyone and ensure that all voices are heard.
It’s essential that our IGS membership reflects the diversity of our industry and the customers we serve, as this inclusion strengthens us and creates opportunities for all. – Sam Allen, IGS President (2022 – 2026)
IGS Diversity Committee & Resources
9 June 2025 (Tuesday) – “Beneath the Hard Hat: Real Lives, Real Barriers, Real Change” – Shine Salur.
This special plenary session is part of GeoAsia 8, the 8th Asian Regional Conference on Geosynthetics.
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre | Brisbane, Australia
Website: https://geoasia8.org
Committee News & Statements
- IGS Diversity Task Force Gains Committee Status – January 2025
- Improving Representation in the IGS – June 2024
- Making Diversity Matter at IGS Events – December 2023
- IGS Establishes Diversity Task Force – July 2023
Next Opportunities
- Diversity Spotlight at Next EuroGeo Conference – 13 – 15 September 2025, Lille, France
Past Events
- Raising the Bar on Diversity in Geosynthetics (from GeoAmericas 2024 – Toronto)
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Guidelines for IGS Events (from the IGS Digital Library)
IGS Diversity Committee
Founded: 2023 (as Task Force)
Formal Establishment: 2025
Chair: Dr. Laura Carbone, IGS Secretary General
Contact the IGS office for information on how you can contribute to the conversation and support the IGS Diversity Committee.
The Committee welcomes general members, event opportunities, speakers, topic ambassadors, and resource recommendations for the engineering community.
Videos
At GeoAmericas 2024 in Toronto, IGS Diversity leaders convened, hosting a Diversity Lunch Discussion and taking time out of the conference to comment on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion recognition within the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS).
Seen here:
- Patricia Guerra-Escobar (Chair of IGS European Regional Activities Committee and IGS Council Member)
- Sandra Pouliot (IGS Diversity Committee Member)
Visit the IGS YouTube Channel.
From the IGS “Two for a Few” Series:
Dr. Kristin Sample-Lord (IGS North America President) interviews Dr. Laura Carbone (IGS Diversity Committee Chair & IGS Secretary General) in Toronto about the Diversity Task Force.
