Abstract

With immense pleasure, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), the Indian National Adhering Body of IUGG, and the CSIR-NGRI will be hosting the Joint Scientific Assembly 2021 of two Associations of the IUGG, IAGA and IASPEI, along with support from other Earth science institutes of DST (Department of Science & Technology, GoI), CSIR and MoES (Ministry of Earth Sciences, GoI). The JSA will now be organized during 21-27 August 2021 on a fully virtual platform, to overcome the risks due the pandemic, associated with travel after deliberating with both the Associations and also with in the country. The JSA will be preceded by the IAGA and IASPEI Schools and GIFT Workshop. The 13th General Assembly of the Asian Seismological Commission (ASC) will be coterminous with the JSA, adding to the variety and diversity of the scientific program. Though we personally wished your physical presence and make this JSA a memorable one, but the changed circumstances have led to the planning of a virtual JSA which shall provide you the comfort and enthused participation in larger numbers. The LOC in consultation with the two Associations has substantially reduced the registration fees which shall allow many young researchers to participate and present their scientific papers and join us in plenary lectures and other Joint Sessions. The new normal of virtual conference will open up new vistas through interaction and could lead to fruitful collaborations to further science. We have initiated the processes for moving to a virtual conferencing and shall update you all regularly through the website (http://iaga-iaspei-india2021.in/). As a Chair, LOC, I urge the scientific community to convert the current situation into an opportunity and make this Joint Scientific Assembly a grand success by your active participation.