Thompson Field Forums

Thompson Field Forums, named in honor of James B. Thompson Jr., a benefactor of the Geological Society of America and renowned geology researcher and Professor Emeritus at both Harvard University and Dartmouth College, are designed to capture the essence of exciting discoveries or controversial topics via forays into the field for on the spot discussions of a particular geologic feature or area. This is both an opportunity to get out into the field and to bring together diverse experts on the topic at hand to exchange current knowledge, ideas, and theories.

GSA’s Thompson Field Forums provide the perfect format for the exchange of current knowledge and exciting ideas best expressed by the geology of a specific area. They are designed after the Penrose Conferences but are held almost completely in a field setting. The intent is to stimulate and enhance individual and collaborative research and to accelerate the advance of the science by interactions in the field.

The Thompson Field Forums should be interdisciplinary and bring together various earth-science communities both within and beyond GSA. Ideal subjects for Thompson Field Forums are those earth and planetary science topics for which recent work suggests a potential for further significant advances in the near future. Each Thompson Field Forum subject should be under current investigation and active discussion by able researchers in the field.

Thompson Field Forums are typically five days or more and have between 20 to 40 participants. Participants should come from a diverse field of disciplines and individuals (international, gender, and career level). An individual field forum is not restricted to a single location, although the costs associated with multiple sites versus the scientific benefit must be weighed carefully. In-house conferencing may be a minor component (<20%) of the Thompson Field Forum.

GSA’s Meetings Department will provide administrative and logistical support during the planning of the field forum. In addition, GSA and the GSA Foundation will provide a total of US$20,000 in unrestricted funds for the Annual Thompson Field Forum that is selected.

Open Submittal Period: 1 Nov.–15 Dec.

Announcement of Accepted Proposal: Early March

Bridgette Moore, Interim Executive Director and CEO
ThompsonFieldForum@geosociety.org
Geological Society of America
3300 Penrose Place, P.O. Box 9140
Boulder, CO 80301-9140

Explore how Cuba’s complex geologic record unlocks the story of North American–Caribbean plate interactions in this GSA Thompson Field Forum 2025 recap.