Geoscience Week 2026 – Pau, France – 16–18 June 2026

 

In June 2026, the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), the Société Géologique de France (SGF), and AVENIA, France’s competitiveness cluster for subsurface industries, will jointly organise the Geoscience Week 2026 in Pau, south of France.

This unique European initiative will highlight the strategic role of geosciences and the subsurface in addressing today’s major societal challenges and supporting the energy and environmental transitions.

 

A Full Week Dedicated to Geosciences

 

The Geoscience Week will bring together two complementary events:

Geodays (16–17 June 2026): Organised by AVENIA, the Geodays are a leading business yearly convention for the subsurface sector, gathering the French and European geoscience community, including industry leaders, researchers, public authorities, and decision-makers. The event focuses on innovation, collaboration, and the valorisation of subsurface resources.

LearnGeo – Education & Careers in Geosciences (17–18 June 2026): This 2026 edition will target all education professionals who play a role in helping secondary school and university students choose their future study options. The 2028 edition will directly address pupils themselves.

In 2026, LearnGeo is specifically designed for:

  • Youth Career advisors
  • Secondary school teachers and representatives of secondary school teacher organisations
  • Educators involved in guidance and orientation
  • Bachelor, Master or PhD students interested in careers in applied geosciences

The aim is to strengthen understanding of:

  • The societal relevance of geosciences
  • The diversity of careers in this strategic field
  • The opportunities geosciences offer to young people today and in the future

The main event language will be French, but we welcome the participation of educators, career advisors, company representatives or students from outside France.

 

Programme Highlights

 

Wednesday, 17 June 2026, 12:00: Joint closing–opening cocktail

  • A joint cocktail with keynote speeches marking the closure of the Geodays and the opening of LearnGeo.
  • Possibility for educators, teachers and students to meet company representatives in the Geodays exhibition area.

 

Thursday, 18 June 2026, 10:00-18:00: LearnGeo 2026

  • Plenary talks on geoscience careers: Presentations by professionals who work daily in geoscience-related fields, sharing real-life perspectives on careers, skills, and pathways.
  • Meet-the-industry moments: Opportunities to interact with company representatives and better understand workforce needs and emerging professions.
  • Workshops: Thematic workshops addressing the importance of geoscience for society.

 

Why Geosciences Matter

 

Energy systems, access to water, critical metals and materials, underground storage, and protection against natural and anthropogenic risks: geosciences are at the heart of the innovations required for the energy and ecological transition, the reindustrialisation of territories, and the strengthening of European sovereignty.

They form the foundation for a new industrial and societal pathway – closely connected to territories and citizens.