GRSS IDEA Program Announces IGARSS 2026 Events Schedule
In almost a decade since its 2017 inception, the GRSS IDEA Program has created and sponsored some of the most popular activities at IGARSS and other conferences worldwide. This year’s IGARSS in Washington, D.C., will be no different – the IDEA Program has several important events already on the agenda that will help members move forward in their careers and get more out of the conference itself.
The Program is guided by a bold mission statement: “The IDEA Program shall Inspire, Develop, Empower, and Advance all GRSS members and affiliates of accredited societies who are interested in the fields of interest of GRSS. We celebrate and thrive on our differences for the benefit of our members and our GRSS community…The IDEA Program envisions a vibrant GRSS community collectively using their diverse talents to innovate for the benefit of humanity.”
Niki Clark, an R&D Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and current IDEA Co-Lead, summed up IDEA’s goals like this, “Our goal to help all GRSS members be supported within the community. We support researchers across the globe and at all levels of their careers.”
In keeping with this mission, Clark described four standing IDEA initiatives:
Women Mentoring Women is a remarkably successful initiative that works on both the individual and group level. Individually, it links newer or younger members up with more experienced mentors who can help them navigate their careers Women Mentoring Women also hosts group activities at conferences.
Women in Africa is a valuable initiative with the ambitious goal of championing women across the continent to engage with the geosciences in school and in their professional careers. There are ongoing webinar series and networking opportunities, along with formal in-person conference activities.
Women in Latin America is the newest initiative of IDEA. Formed in 2026, it aims to support women, but also understand better the needs of the Latino community in GRSS. At the moment, the initiative is hard at work to identify the barriers to a larger presence of Latin Americans in GRSS by sharing a survey and setting up meetings with members all the way from Mexico to Argentina.
Professional Development Microgrants are awarded to assist any eligible individual with funding for their geoscience and remote sensing-related research. The funds are often used to defray travel costs to participate in GRSS-sponsored conferences and summer schools or research-related expenses.
Family Cares Grants are one of the most innovative initiatives sponsored by GRSS. They provide funding to GRSS members who are caregivers to family members, allowing them to travel to GRSS-sponsored conferences. The care can be provided to a child or even a senior adult, lessening the financial burden on the recipient, which may otherwise prevent them from attending a GRSS conference.
The IDEA Program isn’t limited to these initiatives, Clark explained. In addition, members travel to professional events sponsored by GRSS to raise awareness of membership benefits. The popular Down to Earth: A Podcast For Geoscientists by Geoscientists podcast series is also supported by IDEA.
“We aim to amplify the different voices throughout GRSS and promote our progam, reaching out across the globe to grow the GRSS community,” she said.
IGARSS 2026 Plans
The 46th IGARSS Conference will be held August 9-14 at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. These IDEA activities have been scheduled. Be sure to click on the link to see if advance registration is required.
- IDEA Discussion Panel on Tuesday, Aug. 11. This panel discussion will bring together voices across the community to explore topics pertaining to AI in geoscience and remote sensing research. Panelists will share their perspectives on AI challenges and opportunities, covering the scientific, professional, and even ethical aspects, offering attendees inspiration and practical takeaways for navigating this frequently shifting topic.
- IDEA Networking Luncheon on Wednesday, Aug. 12, will be the headline IDEA event at IGARSS and always sells out in advance. The luncheon allows attendees to learn more about each IDEA initiative and network with colleagues across the GRSS community.
- IDEA Speed Mentoring Lunch on Thursday, Aug. 13, is another one that sells out fast. It gives students and young members a chance to sit down with GRSS mentors and ask advice on how to move forward with their careers. Sample questions are provided in case the mentee is unsure where to start.
- A new science communication workshop, “Your Research, Their Understanding: Digital Communication Skills for Geoscientists” will be on Thursday, Aug 13, hosted by media production and communication professionals Nicole Bedford and Mailyne K. Briggs, the creators of Down to Earth. This three-hour interactive workshop introduces participants to practical science communication strategies designed to help scientists communicate their work clearly, confidently, and effectively across media, public, and professional settings.
In addition to scheduled events at IGARSS, Niki Clark reminds GRSS members to apply now for a Family Cares Grant if they are facing a financial burden caused by caregiving responsibilities. And for caregivers bringing little ones to Washington, D.C., IDEA has set aside a Family Room where babies and young children can be cared for while their parent attends sessions.
