IAG Geodesy Reception 2026

On 5 May 2026, the annual Geodesy Reception was once again hosted at the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (BEV) in Vienna, Austria, during the General Assembly 2026 of the European Geosciences Union (EGU). The event brought together 129 scientists and experts (28% woman) from 16 countries (mainly from Germany, Austria and Switzerland) across the global geodetic community and provided a dedicated platform for networking and exchange beyond the busy conference schedule.

Held at BEV, the reception has become a key social and professional highlight of the EGU week. All available places were fully booked within a short time, underlining the strong demand and continued interest in this event. Participants from Europe and beyond gathered in an informal setting to discuss current developments, foster collaborations, and strengthen existing partnerships.

The event was organized by the GGOS Coordinating Office, hosted at BEV. As the main sponsor, the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting international collaboration and community-building within geodesy. The reception was further supported by several leading institutions in the field, including the GFZ, the EGU Geodesy Division, the DGFI-TUM, ETH Zurich (Space Geodesy), and IGN France.

The evening featured short welcome addresses by leading representatives of the international geodetic community, including:

• Claus-Peter Kahn, President of BEV (event host)
• Richard Gross, President of IAG
• Roelof Rietbroek, President of the EGU Geodesy Division
• Rebekka Steffen, President of IAG Commission 3
• Martin Sehnal, Director of GGOS Coordinating Office

In their remarks, they highlighted the importance of global cooperation, open scientific exchange, and the essential role of geodesy in addressing societal challenges.

Early Career Scientists (ECS) were strongly represented at the reception, comprising 45% of attendees. The event offered valuable opportunities to connect with established experts, exchange ideas, and engage with international research networks in an open and welcoming environment.

In addition to networking and discussions, the reception briefly featured the presentation of the winners of the Geodesy Cartoon Competition, an initiative organized by the GGOS Coordinating Office aimed at communicating geodesy to a broader audience in a creative and accessible way. Selected cartoons were exhibited during the event, adding a visual dimension to the evening.

With the continued success of the Geodesy Reception, IAG reinforces its role as a global platform for coordination, collaboration, and communication in geodesy. Events like this highlight not only the scientific excellence of the community but also its openness, diversity, and shared commitment to advancing our understanding of the Earth system.

Author: Martin Sehnal (Director of GGOS Coordinating Office)