Quadriennal report 2003-2006 ; Rapport quadriennal 2003-2006 ; Quadriennal report 2003-2006: XXIV general assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics ; Rapport quadriennal 2003-2006: XXIVe assemblée générale de l'Union géodésique et géophysique internationale

The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics gathers seven specialized International Associations: Geodesy, Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior, Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, Meteorology and Physics of the Atmosphere, Hydrological Sciences, and Physical Sciences of the Ocean. The scientific activities of the geodesists and geophysicists who make up IUGG are essentially focused on the scientific study of the Earth and its applications to the needs of contemporary society, in order to better understand our planet, predict its evolution and protect it. As a member of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), IUGG brings the views and sensitivities of geodesists and geophysicists to this body, which inspires science policy worldwide. Each of the Associations which make up the Union constitutes, in its field, the only specialised scientific association with a worldwide vocation; its mission is : - to encourage research in its fields of competence by countries, institutions or individuals and to facilitate the international coordination of such research; - to provide an international framework for the discussion and publication of the results of such research. These are ambitious objectives, and anyone who has ever been involved in the life of the Associations - or in that of the Union - can appreciate the scale of the challenge they represent. In particular, they require us to succeed in organising Assemblies of a very high scientific level that are attractive and open to all, and in particular to our colleagues from developing countries. In 2007, the General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) is being held in Perugia, Italy. The General Assemblies of the IUGG are scientific events of an excellent standard which, despite the proliferation of international scientific events, attract a large audience. They also have an important administrative dimension: all the governing bodies of the Union and its ...