About the Association
A global community of applied geochemists advancing science across exploration, environment and analytical research since 1970.
Who we are
About the Association
The Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG) is a global community of applied geochemists working across exploration, environment, and analytical research. Founded in 1970, our mission is to advance the science and the people who practice it.
Our purpose
- Advance the science of geochemistry as it relates to mineral exploration and the environment
- Facilitate the acquisition, exchange and distribution of scientific knowledge
- Encourage research and development
- Sponsor symposia, seminars and technical meetings
- Support students in applied geochemistry
How we achieve it
- Publishes the journal Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis (GEEA)
- Publishes the quarterly science newsletter EXPLORE
- Supports the journal Elements
- Leads the biennial International Applied Geochemistry Symposia (IAGS)
- Convenes regional meetings and co-sponsors meetings with other scientific societies
- Supports students with low membership fees and research and travel grants
- Provides access to specialized publications, lectures and podcasts
Bylaws
Governing rules of the Association
Code of Ethics
Standards our members uphold
Get in touch
Business Office & Webmaster
Contact the AAG Business Office for membership enquiries, purchasing publications, address changes, or any additional information.
Jane Graham
Office Manager
Telephone
613-290-7577
Mailing address
AAG Business Office
P.O. Box 567, 223 St. Lawrence St.
Merrickville, ON, Canada K0G 1N0
The people behind the AAG
Governance
The Association is led by its Executive Officers and a Council of volunteer members from around the world, supported by Regional Councillors who champion the AAG locally.
Executive Officers
Councillors
2025–2026
Pedro Acosta-Góngora
Ray Lett
Aaron Baensch
Anna Petts
Paul Morris
Sam Scher (2025)
2026–2027
Patrice de Caritat
Behnam Sadeghi
John Carranza
Martiya Sadeghi
Bimin Zhang
Each year the Association seeks motivated and energetic AAG members to stand for election as Ordinary Councillors. If you would like to be more involved, please contact the AAG Business Office for more information.
Regional Councillors
Regional Councillors connect with local universities, government agencies, and exploration companies to promote the interests of the AAG in their specific region.
How the work gets done
Committees & Coordinators
The Association’s work is carried forward by dedicated committees and coordinators, each led by volunteer members from across the global geochemistry community.
Awards and Medals
Provides nomination and vetting for AAG awards and medals, and proposes new award opportunities.
Chair
Members
Theo Davies, Pertti Sarala, Chris Benn, Anna Petts
Education
Supports the professional development of the next generation of geochemists.
Chair
Members
Matthew Leybourne, Stefano Albanese, Mary Doherty, Bimin Zhang, Ray Lett
Governance
Reviews and revises the Association’s Bylaws, reviews the Code of Ethics, establishes a privacy policy, and creates a grievance process.
Chair
Members
Cliff Stanley, Juan Carlos Ordoñez, Behnam Sadeghi, Martiya Sadeghi, Maria Joao Batista, Yihui Xiong
Membership and Mentorship
Devises membership services and features, facilitates acquisition and retention, drives membership into younger demographics, and organizes mentorship opportunities.
Chair
Members
Patrice de Caritat, Pedro Acosta-Góngora
Strategic Plan
Drives the processes outlined in the 2026 Strategic Plan, ensures goals are met on time, and identifies any obstacles.
Chair
Members
Ray Lett, Brian Townley, Behnam Sadeghi
Symposia and Events
Facilitates the proposal and organization of AAG’s biennial symposium (IAGS) and other events, and ensures a detailed report is prepared for Council.
Chair
Members
Alex Voint, Aleksandra Mloszewski, Pedro Acosta-Góngora, Bimin Zhang
Website
Ensures the public-facing and membership websites run smoothly, interacts with the design company, facilitates the flow of new material, and monitors usage.
Chair
Members
Gwendy Hall, Beth McClenaghan, Elizabeth Ambrose, Cliff Stanley, Behnam Sadeghi
Coordinators
Social Media
To be determined
Website Content Manager
To be determined
Recognising excellence
Awards & Medals
The AAG presents three major awards. The immediate Past President chairs the Awards and Medals Committee, and all medals are presented by the current President at the International Applied Geochemistry Symposia (IAGS).
Silver Medal
Awarded to a member of the AAG for dedicated service to the Association. Minted from two troy ounces of silver bullion and engraved with the recipient’s name and year.
Most recent recipient
2025 — John Carranza
Gold Medal
Awarded for outstanding scientific achievement in exploration, environmental or analytical geochemistry. Minted from two troy ounces of silver bullion and engraved with the recipient’s name and year.
Most recent recipient
2025 — Cliff Stanley
Cameron-Hall Copper Medal
Awarded to the lead author of an outstanding publication in GEEA. Named in honour of Eion Cameron and Gwendy Hall, prominent scientists and past editors of the journal.
Most recent recipient
2025 — Aaron Goodman
Honorary Fellows
An Honorary Fellow of the AAG has made a distinguished contribution to exploration geochemistry that warrants exceptional recognition. Lifetime FREE membership is granted to each honorary member.
Ray Lett
Bob Garrett
Gwendy Hall
Nomination guidelines
Guidelines and procedures for the Gold, Silver and Copper Medals and Honorary Fellowship.
Distinguished Lecturer
The lead author (or agreed alternate) of the Cameron-Hall Medal is designated the AAG Distinguished Lecturer for the calendar year following publication of their paper, and is invited to present a keynote address at the next available IAGS highlighting their award-winning research. The lecture is recorded and made available on the AAG website, and the award covers reasonable travel and registration fees for the next IAGS meeting.
Working together
Affiliate Associations
The AAG collaborates with leading international geoscience organisations to advance shared scientific goals.
IAMG
International Association of Mathematical Geosciences
A scientific organization serving an international community of mathematical geoscientists — mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists, geoinformaticians and earth scientists. IAMG is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, fairness and democracy, with new statutes, a commission exploring the role of women in the IAMG, and awards for early career researchers and female scientists reflecting its ethical values in science.
Visit website
IUGS
International Union of Geological Sciences
The Commission on Global Geochemical Baselines (CGGB) operates under the auspices of the IUGS. Its mission is to prepare a global geochemical database and maps documenting the concentration and distribution of chemical elements in the Earth’s near-surface environment — promoting harmonised sampling, sample preparation, quality control and analytical protocols, and ultimately preparing a global geochemical database and atlas.
Visit website
Around the world
Regional Councillor Activities
Regional Councillors report on applied geochemistry activities and developments within their regions. Download the latest reports below.
Current Status of Applied Geochemistry Research in Northern Europe
Current Status of Applied Geochemistry Research in Southern Europe
Regional Report — Brazil
Coming soon
Regional Report — Chile
Coming soon
Regional Report — China
Coming soon
Regional Report — South Asia
Coming soon
Join a global community of applied geochemists
Connect with professionals in industry, academia and government, access our publications, and help advance the application of geochemistry worldwide.