The 15th International Conference on Military Geosciences, Somerset West, South Africa (9 - 14 June 2024)
Registration for ICMG24 is now OPEN!
Welcome to the ICMG24 conference, where innovation and inclusivity take center stage! Unlike previous conferences held in the north, our Organizing Committee has embraced a fresh approach, introducing exciting new elements. We proudly present the first-ever international hybrid conference in military geosciences, uniting military geoscientists from all corners of the globe, whether they choose to join us in-person or virtually.
This innovative format allows us to connect with a diverse and global audience, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on an unprecedented scale. Moreover, we are extending special invitations to esteemed national and international higher institutions and military organizations, with the aim of creating an enriching experience for geoscience practitioners and students alike.
Join us for this groundbreaking event, as we come together to explore the frontiers of military geosciences and forge lasting connections within the global community. We can't wait to see you at ICMG24 and make this conference a truly unforgettable journey of discovery!
Date: 9 - 14 June 2024
THEME: Unmasking the change and continuity in the nature and character of military operations
Location: The Conference will be held from Sunday 9 June to Friday 14 June 2024, at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, South Africa. The Conference is being organized on behalf of the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, and the International Association for Military Geosciences (IAMG).
"Situated at the foothills of the Helderberg mountains, Somerset West is situated in the Hottentots Holland area close to Stellenbosch, about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. Somerset West was named after an English governor of the Cape Colony during the 1800s, Lord Charles Henry Somerset, with the suffix 'West' being added to differentiate it from Somerset East, another South African town in the Eastern Cape.
Somerset West lies within easy reach of several beaches bordering the Atlantic Ocean and lying within False Bay. The nearest, the beach at Strand, approximately 6 km from the centre of the town, is popular with families and holidaymakers. Somerset West is home to the wine farm, Vergelegen, an impressive 18th-century farmhouse built in Cape Dutch style. The farm is now owned by a subsidiary of the large mining company Anglo American, who have restored the farmhouse to its original magnificence and continue to produce some of South Africa's best wines there."
Themes: We seek abstracts that link a wide range of military activities within a broad span of geological, geographical, archaeological, sustainability, historical, and spatial analysis. A period in the conference will be allocated to the conflict in the UKR. Examples include (additional examples can be viewed at the International Association for Military Geosciences IAMG) website:- Engineering Geology
- Hydrogeology
- Geospatial Sciences
- Geophysics
- Climatology
- Environmental Science
- Cognate disciplines
- Warfare and geology
- Military response to predictive climate change
- Beyond warfare: Pandemics to providing vital resources
- Terrain Analysis
- Historical Geography
- Geomorphology
- Land Management
- Military tourism
- Naval geography
- Environmental issues of military activities
- Geospatial intelligence
- International security: borders to natural resources
- Archaeology
Abstracts: We welcome submissions of abstracts (1 – 2 pages) in English, following the ICMG24 Abstract template, available on the ICMG24 webpage (Registration tab). Each submission will undergo a thorough peer review process conducted by academics and experts in the field. The review will evaluate various criteria, including scientific originality, relevance to the community, accurate documentation of prior work, clarity of presentation, technical accuracy, and language proficiency. Authors of accepted abstracts will have the honour of presenting their work in English at the ICMG24 conference. The presentation format may include either an oral presentation or a poster session. It is important to note that the presenting author must complete the conference registration process and payment to secure their participation. The last date for abstract submission is 30 April 2024. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions at ICMG24!
Post-Conference Excursion: Coastal Geology and Military History - The five-day post-conference field excursion will include visits to the greater Cape Town Metropolitan area, Franschhoek, Cederberg region, Saldanha Bay, and Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve.For more information, navigate to the Post-Conference Excursion tab.
Important Dates:
- Conference: 9 to 14 June 2024.
- Post-Conference Excursion: 15 June to 20 June 2024 (the cut-off date to participate in the excursion is 10 May 2024).
- Registration: Opens on 1 August 2023 and closes on 17 May 2024.
- Payment: Early-bird registration for the conference is available from 1st September 2023 until 31 March 2024. After this period, the standard rate will apply until 17 May 2024, when registration closes.
- Abstracts: The final submission deadline is 30 April 2024.
Conference Committee:
| Name | Responsibility |
| Dr Ivan Henrico | Chair |
| Prof Hennie Smit | Day-to-day activities |
| Dr Babalwa Mtshawu | Day-to-day activities
|
| Cdr (Prof) Jacques Bezuidenhout | Excursion |
| Dr Rikus Le Roux | Excursion
|
| Lt Col (Dr) Susan Henrico | Accommodation |
| Dr Evert Kleynhans | Publications |
| Ms Anri Delport | Publications
|
| Dr Mhaka Khoza | IT |
| Maj M.L.A. Matjane | PG Student |
| Capt P. Mayoyo | PG Student
|
| SLt S. Mbatha | PG Student
|
| SLt W.W. Mashaba | PG Student
|
| Lt L. Matiwane | PG Student
|
| Prof Eric McDonald | President of the IAMG |
| Lt Col Drew Craig | Secretary of the IAMG
|
