On 26 September 2024, the annual working meeting of the EuroGeoSurveys Spatial Information Expert Group (SIEG) took place in Rome at the headquarters of the ISPRA Geological Survey of Italy.

Given that the vast majority of SIEG members are also GSEU contractors, the meeting focused on topics beyond GSEU issues. These had been discussed during the previous days.

The meeting started with a presentation of the EGS expert groups, as cooperation with them is one of the priorities of the SIEG. This is particularly important when it comes to shaping the vision for future EuroGeoSurveys. This applies, for example, to the definition of priority research topics for the SRIA.

Representatives of the EGS expert groups answered questions put to them in advance concerning expectations of the EGDI, preservation and dissemination of project results and responsibility for data related to the scientific field of each expert group, user expectations, and communication between expert groups. Proposals to change the format of future meetings were discussed. It was suggested that in the future the geological surveys should give presentations on best practices or specific experiences. All should consider their input and send proposals to the SIEG leader.

It is also important to increase the involvement of member countries and promote the EGDI at national level, at national conferences or congresses.

It was planned to prepare EGDI promotional materials to be translated by SIEG members.

The meeting included an update from EGS on the strategic development within the future Geological Service for Europe (GSE). In addition, the issues of the developed Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) document were discussed, what it is, its objectives and scope. Proposals for the creation of an Editorial Board were then discussed. The meeting ended with the formulation of rules for the functioning of the Board as these will have to be approved by the directors of the geological surveys.

Text: Urszula Stępień, Katarzyna Jóźwik, Marcin Słodkowski
Photo: Urszula Stępień