Programme Overview
In 2019, the IUGS and EGU launched the Geoscience Education Field Officers (GEFO) Programme to promote Earth sciences worldwide by identifying and training Geoscience Education Field Officers. Conceived by professor Chris King, who managed it until 2021, the programme aims to expand its reach, especially in non-European countries, while the EGU Education Committee oversees and establish GEFO in European locations.
In May 2022, the programme expanded to seven additional European countries following a call from the EGU Education Committee. New GEFOs, including six supported by COGE, were trained at a workshop in Barcelona, Spain.
Since 2023, the COGE GEFO Programme has been strengthened under the new COGE Terms of Reference, aligning closely with IUGS’s priorities for higher education, public outreach, and international collaboration.
How to become a GEFO?
COGE is currently seeking passionate individuals to join our Geoscience Education Field Officer (GEFO) program. To apply, simply fill out this online application form, in which you must include the following documents: a 1-page Expression of Interest (EOI) a curriculum vitae (CV) and 1 or more letters of support from recognized geoscience organizations.
The EOI letter should refer to the personal motivation and the impact of interactive workshops for teachers.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to become a GEFO and make a real difference in the world of geoscience education. Apply today and join us in our mission to promote the importance of geoscience education.
Support and Coordination
GEFOs are volunteers, and while they do not receive a salary, the costs of training workshops are covered.
This project is co-coordinated temporary by Monica Guzman (EOP Interim Chair) and Gina P. Correia (EGU GEFO Coordinator). The COGE GEFO Programme operates under the Education, Outreach, and Policy Subcommission of COGE, ensuring alignment with the Commission’s broader mission and strategic objectives.
Former COGE GEFO Leader: Susanna Occhipinti
Objectives:
- Contributing with an appropriate geoscience education level at upper secondary levels globally.
- Develop strategies to enhance the scientific and educational competence of pre-university teachers.
- Define key principles for geoscience literacy to guide curriculum design.
- Encourage geoscience careers through secondary education content to meet society’s future demands.
Field Officers Role
GEFOs provide professional development and educational outreach tailored to their local context. They organize workshops and activities for university students, future teachers, and communities, adapting methods to local needs and resources. While some workshops may use hands-on approaches inspired by Earth Learning Ideas, the format and content are adjusted depending on each country’s context. The goal is to inspire students to engage with geoscience and environmental disciplines.
Images provided by EGU Education Committee.
COGE Field Officers
Seydou Sogoba
Burkina Faso
Muhammad Hanif
Pakistan
Raymond Kudzawu-D'Pherdd
Ghana
Salah S. El-Ekhfifi
Libya
Pauline Yawoa da Costa
Togo
Muhammad Yaseen
Pakistan - Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan
Zainab Muhammad Shuaibu
Nigeria
Venkatraman Hedge
India
Carlos Echeverria Barajas
Colombia
Jasmi Abdul Hafiz
Malaysia
Learn More about the EGU GEFO team
For information about the EGU GEFO Programme, click the button below.
The GEFO Internship
Objectives
- To prepare current undergraduate/postgraduate geoscience students or recent graduates to become competent educators.
- To capture the interest of young geoscientists who are not only passionate about geoscience but also willing to follow and share the ethos and goals of COGE, including the promotion and practice of geoethical values.
- To increase the availability of trained educators, contributing to the improvement of geoscience education at various levels while upholding the principles of geoethics.
- Making the GEFO program sustainable by involving registered Mentors/Trainers who will facilitate the internship program.
Application Process
Application Process
Fill the application form here.
Responsibilities of Interns
- Support the development of geoscience research and educational materials, incorporating geoethical considerations in the content when relevant (example: environmental impact and ethical aspects of geoscience career). The materials produced and developed during the internship will remain the property of COGE.
- Supporting the organization of seminars for teachers and conducting literature reviews that may address geoscience education challenges.
- Supporting communication efforts within the program to foster open discussions on geoeducation topics.
- Promoting geoscience outreach in their local community
- Promoting the Earth Learning Idea (ELI)
- Promote the intern country’s participation in the IESO if it is not already activated
- Support the organization of a IESO National Team and be involved in training the Team
- Successful completion of the program requires interns to deliver an oral presentation communicating their experience.
- Travelling locally to assist with the organization and facilitation of GEFO workshops (when the intern and mentor are in the same country).
Our 2026 Interns
Duration Options
Interns can choose from the following program durations:
- 6 months
- 12 months
Benefits for Interns
- Gain hands-on experience in geoscience education and fieldwork.
- Receive mentorship from the leader and officers of the GEFO Program.
- Expand their international network and make valuable contacts.
- Contribute to the global improvement of geoscience education quality.
- They will receive a certificate of attendance in the internship program
- Local transport costs will be covered with prior approval from COGE, but interns will be responsible for accommodation and meals.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants (age under 35) must be registered as undergraduate/postgraduate students at a university during the internship period or be recent (less than 3 years) graduates in geosciences. Previous experience in teaching (any level), supervising graduate students, outreach activities, tutoring, and mentoring is desirable.
Preference for Diversity
The program gives preference to candidates from lower or lower-middle income countries or who identify as a member of a group historically underrepresented in geosciences.
Availability
Applicants should clearly indicate their availability for the program, including any possible fieldwork or travel commitments.
Welcome to GEFO's corner
Publications and more…
- STS and science education: the impact of geology workshops on children’s perception in Paraguay (2024) History of Geology – Romina Celabe & Néstor Salinas
- Join the logo design contest! – deadline: August 10th
GEFO’s news
Seydou Sogoba (Burkina Faso)
Opening this morning of the Annual Conference of Pedagogical Supervisors (CAEP). I have been selected to moderate this activity, which will last 4 days and will discuss educational reforms in the country. More than 315 primary school inspectors are participating in the meeting on our website. As a GEFO, my contribution will be to advocate for a special focus on science-related innovations and ICTs in primary school.