Resolution No.17 (1979): Importance of basic research in geoscience

IAGA, recognising the ever-increasing pressure upon geophysicists to provide fast returns in the form of practical applications of their research, draws attention to the fact that basic research motivated by intellectual curiosity is the most effective breeding ground for the long-term development of applications in resource exploration and exploitation, environmental protection, and new technologies; urges its member countries to provide continued strong support of basic research in the geosciences, and encourages them to embark in a concerted effort towards establishing an appropriate balance between the current opportunities offered in basic research and the long-term needs in applied fields and technology.

[Remark: Resolution 2 adopted by IAMAP. Resolution 17 adopted also as an IUGG Resolution.]