On behalf of the EAGE Near Surface Geoscience Division, I cordially invite you to attend the Near Surface Geoscience Conference & Exhibition 2021 to be held in Bordeaux, France, from 29 August to 2 September 2021. 

We are pleased that the Near Surface Geoscience conference will be hosted for the first time in Bordeaux having also introduced the 1st Conference on Hydrogeophysics alongside with the 27th European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics and the 2nd Conference on Geophysics for Infrastructure Planning Monitoring and BIM. Without a doubt the main conference and the two parallel meetings cover topics that are of societal relevance for the whole world and our near-surface geoscience community. We, at the NSG Division, realise the need to organise focused conferences and respond to the needs of our members by providing new and attractive topics that can provide an environment to move the science and technology forward while also addressing the needs of our society. 

Bordeaux is a hub for non-destructive testing (NDT) in France and French companies are on the forefront of developing complex infrastructures such as high-speed trains, underground facilities as well as bridges, airports and shipping ports. This is therefore a great opportunity to welcome newcomers to the conference particularly to the infrastructure planning, monitoring and BIM conference. We welcome design and civil engineers, city planners and geotechnical communities to take an active role in the conference after a successful presence in the Hague-2019. 

Water and natural resources in a rapidly changing climate and their implications to build a resilience society are not hidden from NGOs and governmental bodies. The introduction of the Hydrogeophysics parallel conference aims to connect the science with the public sectors and governmental entities, and I personally welcome these communities attending and exchanging their knowledge and needs with us in Bordeaux.  

Bordeaux, being located in southwest France, will offer more than these three conferences. The city and people are known for their hospitalities and delicious cuisines, the beautiful Garonne River and Gothic Cathedral of Saint-André, numerous museums and public gardens. With amazing urban features and architectural assemblages of the early 18th century, Bordeaux is a great example of how innovative historical and modern architectures can coexist for centuries and no wonder why the city centre was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. 

We are keen to improve and have our events more and more attractive to our attendees and exhibitors. The local advisory committee and division members have now worked more than a year to make sure a carefully selected programme with numerous highlights will make the event not only fruitful but also memorable for you. I personally welcome our exhibitors bringing their newest achievements in technology, services and equipment along with the technical talks. 

A rapid-fire presentation event on innovation with mingling possibilities will be organised to present top-notch ideas from various sectors connected to the conferences. Students and young professionals will have a chance to network, meet industry representatives and interact with their own peers. The local advisory committee has planned great networking opportunities for you so make sure you do not miss Bordeaux.

Join us and discover both the city and how the near-surface geosciences have advanced, meet your colleagues, expand your network and enjoy the great atmosphere our event will offer you; it will be unforgettable! I look forward to seeing and welcoming you in Bordeaux NSG2021!

Alireza Malehmir
Near Surface Geoscience Division Chair