Program
Lectures

Lectures & Addresses

Signature talks and presentations at GSA Connects 2026.

A man presents at a podium in front of a crowd.

Lectures & Addresses at a Glance

Attend these lectures and engage with big ideas in geoscience.

Presidential Address & Awards Ceremony

Date and time: TBD
Location: TBD

Presented by GSA President Glenn Thackray and Executive Director and CEO Bridgette Moore.

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2026 Michel T. Halbouty Distinguished Lecture

Geologists in the Critical Zone...in a Critical Time with Dr. Paul Doss

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Special Lectures

  • GSA James B. Thompson, Jr. Distinguished International Lectureship | Kathy Benison
  • GSA James B. Thompson, Jr. Distinguished International Lectureship | Maria Rose Petrizzo

More details below.

Noontime Lectures

Date & Time: TBD

Location: TBD

  • Lecturers: Dr. Kelsey Young and Michel T. Halbouty Distinguished Lecturer, Dr. Paul Doss


Special Lectures

Connect with leading voices shaping the future of geoscience.

Thompson Lecture (outgoing) | Kathy Benison

The outgoing GSA James B. Thompson, Jr. Distinguished International Lecturer, Kathy Benison, is a dynamic speaker of established scientific stature living within North America who can present stimulating and cutting edge geoscience research through lectures outside of North America on topics that are at the forefront of research to raise visibility for The Geological Society of America within the international geoscience community.

Thompson Lecture (incoming) | Maria Rose Petrizzo

The incoming GSA James B. Thompson, Jr. Distinguished International Lecturer, Maria Rose Petrizzo, is a dynamic speaker of established scientific stature living outside of North America who can present stimulating and cutting edge geoscience research through lectures in North America on topics that are at the forefront of research to raise visibility for The Geological Society of America within the U.S. geoscience community.

Special Event

Presidential Address & Awards Ceremony

Date & Time: TBD
Location: TBD

Title Coming Soon
Address by GSA President Glenn Thackray
At Connects 2026, GSA celebrates transition, dissolving borders, & reaching for the stars.

Emcee: TBD
Join us as we honor individuals whose contributions have advanced the geosciences. This is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of vision, achievement, and community.

Stream the Address
Glenn Thackray speaking on stage in lecture hall at GSA Connects meeting
Halbouty Distinguished Lecture

Paul Doss

Geologists in the Critical Zone...in a Critical Time

The critical zone, sometimes referred to as "Living Skin of the Earth," is the environment where rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms interact and shape the Earth's surface. Like the human body, perhaps the Critical Zone is Earth's "largest organ." It is in humanity's best interest for all geologists, regardless of specialty, become aware of, become invested in, and communicate about, the importance of abiotic (geological) resources and processes in the critical zone. Too often one can see neglect and ignorance (dismissal) of the geological foundation when ecological conversations arise. Now more than ever, geologists need to champion our science and its importance to the viability of the Critical Zone...something NONE of us can live without.

Paul Doss headshot

Contact

Have questions? Contact us below!

GSA Meetings Department

meetings@geosociety.org
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