Abstract Data-driven techniques including machine-learning (ML) algorithms with big data are re-activating and re-empowering research in traditional disciplines for solving new problems. For geoscientists, however, what matters is what we do with the data rather than the amount of it. While recent monitoring data will help risk and resource assessment, the long-earth record is fundamental for understanding processes. Thus, how big data technologies can facilitate geoscience research is a fundamental question for most organizations and geoscientists. A quick answer is that big data technology may fundamentally change the direction of geoscience research. In view of the challenges faced by governments and professional organizations in contributing to the transformation of Earth science in the big data era, the International Union of Geological Sciences has established a new initiative: the IUGS-recognized Big Science Program. This paper elaborates on the main opportunities and benefits of utilizing data-driven approaches in geosciences and the challenges in facilitating data-driven earth science transformation. The main benefits may include transformation from human learning alone to integration of human learning and AI, including ML, as well as from known questions seeking answers to formulating as-yet unknown questions with unknown answers. The key challenges may be associated with intelligent acquisition of massive, heterogeneous data and automated comprehensive data discovery for complex Earth problem solving.

Abstract Developing an advanced understanding of the Earth's fundamental processes and resources is essential to fulfil the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) is the oldest and most successful example of scientific co-operation between a non-governmental organization, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), and an intergovernmental organization, UNESCO. During almost 50 years, this programme has been the gateway to successful scientific careers in pioneering research for thousands of IGCP project scientists. After almost 50 years of evaluating IGCP projects, the programme itself was evaluated through statistical analysis of the annual progress report during four periods: 1981–82, 1991–92, 2001–02 and 2011–12. Subsequently, these trends were compared to the trends of the last four years (2015–18). This study provided insight into trends and changes in the location of studies, participating countries, involvement of developing countries, gender equality, etc. To fully understand the added value of the IGCP brand identity and its seed funding, project leaders over a period of five years (2008–12) were asked to complete a survey about its work. Overall, both studies confirmed the value of the main aim of the IGCP: enabling and facilitating international collaboration between Earth scientists. Even though IGCP funding has been reduced, the IGCP brand still opens doors to new collaborators, new research and national funding agencies, often impacting the career of the involved researchers very positively.

Abstract Building on the present volume, which provides a snapshot of Geological Survey organizations (GSOs) from around the world in 2020, this epilogue provides a retrospective on past efforts to form an international consortium of GSOs. These efforts have had the noble aim of bringing GSOs together to address problems of global scale, but have not fully succeeded in building a sustainable organization. The paper summarizes international discussions held over the past three decades, provides some analysis and makes some suggestions on how a world association of GSOs may become useful, credible and workable.

Abstract This volume draws together the final outputs of the five-year UNESCO / IUGS / IGCP Project 571 and presents new data on radon in the built and natural environments, radon as a diagnostic tool of geophysical phenomena, reflections and recommendations on the future of radon research and a critique of radon's asserted use as a therapy. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in radon from a range of different aspects and we would suggest that radon science has the potential to be a useful tool in understanding our environment as well as its impacts on human health.