Mytilene at the epicenter of Geosciences | Hosts International Conference of the Geological Society

The heart of Geology will beat in the Aegean this year, as the 17th International Conference of the Hellenic Geological Society, the leading and most established scientific event in the field of Geosciences in Greece, will be held on the island of Lesvos from May 28 to 31. Hosted by the University of the Aegean in Mytilene, the conference is expected to bring together hundreds of scientists, researchers, academics, and students from Greece and abroad, giving a special pulse to the scientific and research community of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The event is the result of a partnership between the Department of Geography of the University of the Aegean and the Natural History Museum of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos and is held with the support of a multitude of academic and research institutions, as well as local development agencies. The aim is to highlight the geological complexity of the region and the contribution of Geology to understanding the major challenges of today, from natural hazards and climate change to the management of natural resources.

The Aegean under the microscope of science

The conference emphasizes geoscientific developments in the Aegean region and neighboring regions, functioning as a scientific forum for the presentation of research results and the discussion of issues concerning the dynamics of the geological background, environmental changes, and their interaction with human activity. At the same time, the focus will be on issues related to the management of natural hazards – earthquakes, landslides, floods – which are of particular importance in a geologically active region such as the Aegean.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of new technologies, such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and open databases, which offer new tools for understanding geodynamic processes and their application in sustainable development policies.

Scientific breadth and interdisciplinary

The conference covers the entire spectrum of Geosciences, highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the complex issues facing the modern world. The program includes topics such as:

• active tectonics, seismology, and natural hazards,
• palaeoclimatology and climatology,
• engineering geology and hydrogeology,
• geological heritage, geoparks and geotourism,
• archaeometry and geoarchaeology,
• environment and health,
• geothermal energy and mineral exploration,
• as well as modern approaches such as urban geology and the contribution of geosciences to education.

The wide variety of topics demonstrates the expanding importance of Geosciences in understanding the relationship between nature and man, as well as the need for continuous scientific fermentations between different disciplines, from physical geography to applied geophysics and oceanography.

Lesvos: Earth's Natural Laboratory

The choice of Mytilene and the island of Lesvos is not accidental. It is an area with a unique geological history and exceptional scientific importance. The Petrified Forest of Lesvos, a Natural Monument and part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, offers a natural laboratory for understanding geological processes that have been going on for millions of years.

The organization of the conference itself strengthens the role of Lesvos as a hub of scientific and educational interest, while at the same time contributing to the promotion of the geological heritage of the island to the international public.

A hub of scientific meetings and innovation

The 17th International Congress of the Hellenic Geological Society is not only an academic event – ​​it is a hub for scientists to exchange ideas, innovations and practices for the sustainable management of the natural environment. Its international dimension is expected to strengthen cooperation between Greek and foreign research groups and offer new perspectives for scientific progress and regional development.

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