Behind IGS
About Us
The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) is a learned society dedicated to the scientific and engineering development of geotextiles, geomembranes, related products and associated technologies. Since the society’s beginnings the IGS has grown to over 4,000 members including corporate, individual, and student members. With 47 chapters worldwide, it’s easy to be involved with the society by joining a local IGS chapter.
Early Beginnings
The International Geosynthetics Society can trace its roots back to 1977 when the International Conference on the use of Fabrics in Geotechnics occurred in Paris, France. Today the event is referred to as the First International Conference on Geotextiles. During the conference Dr. J. P. Giroud presented a paper on the Valcros Dam in France, coining the words “geotextiles” and “geomembranes.”
Founded in Paris, France in 1983 as the International Geotextile Society (IGS), the IGS General Assembly approved the change of name to the International Geosynthetics Society in 1994. The society published the first issue of the newsletter, the IGS News, in 1985. The society is now headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, USA.
For a detailed overview on the development of the society, download the IGS History Archives.
Download IGS History Archives (pdf)
Council History
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Do you want to join us?
Membership in the IGS is a valuable investment for anyone interested in the engineering and geosynthetics industry.
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Chapters create the opportunity for the IGS membership to reach out, teach, and communicate.
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