The 52nd AGS Colloquium and Annual Meeting will be held at the Inn on Prince in Truro, Nova Scotia, on February 6-7, 2026.

The Fourwaves website is now available, and registration and abstract submission are now open.

Organizing Committee

The 2026 Colloquium organizing committee is looking for additional volunteers to help with planning, please contact Rob or Carla if you are interested.

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Sponsors of the Colloquium

A special thanks to the sponsors of the 2025 AGS Colloquium!

Registration

The registration system for the AGS Colloquium on 6-7^th February 2026 at the Inn on Prince in Truro, NS is now available using the Fourwaves system: https://event.fourwaves.com/ags2026/pages.

Please note that Professional and Student registration fees for the Colloquium include membership dues.

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Abstract Submission

Abstract submission is provided using the Fourwaves system: https://event.fourwaves.com/ags2026/pages. Abstract word limit is 300 words.

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Program

Abstracts for talks and posters are due by 13 January 2026

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Posters

We invite poster presentations on any of the special session or general session topics. Poster boards will be available for set up after 2 p.m. on Friday, but must be taken down at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Poster boards have a 4 feet x 8 feet horizontal display area mounted on a 6 foot high frame and posters can be attached using push pins (provided).

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Workshops and Short Courses

• QAQC Methods in Geochemical Research and Mineral Exploration, with a Focus on Gold Assay Quality Control. Friday 6 February, 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Birch Room
  Organized and presented by Cliff Stanley, Acadia University
  This short course presents both the theory behind geochemical data quality assessment methods for mineral exploration sampling and resource definition, and a clear and practical approach to the design, implementation, and assessment of such methods. Given the recent Au mining activity ongoing in the Atlantic Provinces, this workshop addresses both QAQC methods generally and the adaptation in method and interpretation necessary to assess data quality in Au assays and geochemical concentrations. Topics covered range from initial sampling, digestion, and analysis methods and how they impact QA/QC, through data quality assessment concepts, qualitative and quantitative data, types of errors, accuracy and precision assessment methods, to best practices, component errors, and strategies to reduce errors. Included are several practical exercises allowing participants to develop confidence in plotting and assessing quality control data using real-world data, and several critiques of QAQC reports submitted to stock market authorities as part of mining company due diligence efforts. Emphasis will be placed on the use of quality control data to reduce ambiguities that impede the interpretation of mineral exploration results, and to minimize uncertainties in resource estimation, both of which can be adapted to geochemical research activities.
  
• Mineral exploration in glaciated terrain: principles, applications, and techniques
  Organized and presented by Roger Paulen, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa and Dave Sacco, SLR Consulting Inc. Friday 6 February, 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Maple Room
  This one-day short course will focus on a range of basic drift prospecting topics and applied exploration techniques to increase exploration success in glaciated terrain. The short course will include lecturers from government, academia, and industry.
  The course will be presented at an introductory level, suitable for prospectors, exploration geologists, and students. Presentations will highlight on the importance of glacial sediment identification, identifying past ice flow movements, till sampling program design and methods, data sources available in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, a case studies from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, mineral chemistry applications, and the applicability of LiDAR.
  Expected participants include exploration geologists, prospectors, and geology students.
  
• Building Community within the Geosciences
  Organized by the Society’s EDI working group Friday 6 February, 1.00 to 5 p.m., Aspen Room
  Building community is an important practice that helps to leverage diverse perspectives, challenges biases, and builds interdisciplinary teams of scientists that can better tackle challenging problems. “Crafternoons,” where individuals come together to craft and socialize are a great way to engage with art to reduce stress, improve health, and build community. This practice is especially common in Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. Building on this practice, many cultural and academic institutions have started offering regular crafternoons to help community members meet and socialize with diverse individuals. For example, at Dalhousie University, Dr. Lexie Arnott has been offering a regular crafternoon program for students, staff, and faculty in the Earth and Environment Sciences program. Now, crafternoon is coming to the Atlantic Geosciences Society’s annual colloquium. Please join us for an afternoon of crafting and building community. All are welcome, but we especially encourage students to attend. Bring your own craft or start one provided by the IJADE committee (e.g., colouring, crochet/knitting). Use this time to craft, meet a conference buddy, and chat about your studies and ongoing research projects.

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Special Sessions

• Special Session 1: Ongoing developments in coastal and marine geoscience in Atlantic Canada
  Sponsored by BGC Engineering (gold sponsor)
  Organized by Cameron Greaves and Victoria Watson, Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada – Atlantic Region
  There is a growing need for research on Atlantic Canada’s coastlines due to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and severe weather events, all of which have been exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change. Additionally, recent proposals for offshore renewable energy developments throughout Atlantic Canada’s continental shelves have garnered interest in geological and geotechnical data that characterize these vast regions. By integrating research on both onshore and offshore geomorphology, sediment dynamics, and paleoenvironmental change, geoscientists can provide insight for stakeholders that improves plannability for offshore energy infrastructure corridors while also informing environmental conservation strategies to protect Atlantic Canada’s unique coastal and marine ecosystems. This session seeks research on Atlantic Canada’s coastlines and continental shelves that has broad applicability to the above issues.
  
• Special Session 2: Sedimentological and Paleontological Applications in Advancing a Sustainable Energy Future
  Organized by Lynn Dafoe, Vania Correia and Jade Atkins, Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada – Atlantic Region, and Joggins Fossil Cliffs & Centre
  The stratigraphic record plays an ongoing critical role in Canada’s energy future. As the energy industry and economy transition away from a hydrocarbon-dominated system into new fields such as geothermal, carbon storage, lithium in brines, renewable energy, energy storage, and hydrogen power, the fields of sedimentology and paleontology are adapting to support changing research directions. The study of stratigraphic successions continues to provide valuable framework geoscience information on the nature of rock units, their age, and paleoenvironments of deposition. We invite presentations in the fields of stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleontology that illustrate relevance to evolving energy geoscience and storage solutions.
  
• Special Session 3: Advances in Appalachian tectonics: insights from field and laboratory studies
  Organized by Deanne van Rooyen, Sandra Barr and Chris White, Acadia University
  This session welcomes contribution focused on the tectonic evolution of the Appalachian-Caledonide orogenic system.
  
• Special Session 4: Educational Outreach
  Organized by Tracy Webb and the AGS Education Committee
  Over the years this special education outreach session has evolved into a mix of presentations showcasing projects, new programs for outreach, and EdGEO ideas, to lively geological discussions among the participants. With the demands on the earth’s resources, it is increasingly important to encourage and support earth science education at all levels. Please feel free to join us, and if you have a presentation you’d like to share, we’d welcome the opportunity to learn about it!
  
• Special Session 5: Terrestrial and Marine Surface Processes in Atlantic and Arctic Canada
  Organized by John Gosse and Roger Paulen, Dalhousie University, Natural Resources Canada
  Knowledge of rates, style, and frequency of surface processes on land and sea floor are critical for predicting the impact of landslides tsunami hazards, and flooding, or evaluation of the suitability of onshore and offshore infrastructures needed for wind energy and nuclear waste management. We seek oral and poster presentations on surface processes research relevant to climate and environmental change, regional geology, natural hazards, and energy or mineral sectors in Atlantic or Arctic Canada.
  
• Special Session 6: Advancing Critical Mineral Development in Atlantic Canada
  Organized by Organized by Fazilat Yousefi and Niyayesh Khorshidi (University of New Brunswick), Jacob Hanley (Saint Mary’s University), Michael Parsons and Jared Butler (Natural Resources Canada)
  Atlantic Canada contains a broad range of critical mineral resources that are essential for supporting Canada’s transition to a low-carbon and digital economy. This session will showcase research from the Atlantic provinces and beyond on conventional as well as new, emerging, or unconventional sources (e.g. brines, evaporites, tailings) of the 34 minerals and metals on Canada’s critical minerals list. We invite presentations on the geology of mineral deposits, especially granite-related magmatic systems that are commonly enriched in critical minerals (e.g. Li, Sn, W, Mo, Nb, Ta, REEs) and represent some of the most prospective mining targets in the Atlantic region. We also encourage submissions describing novel exploration tools, field and laboratory method development, and studies of mine wastes as a potential source of valuable critical minerals. The goal of this session is to inspire new ideas about critical mineral systems and to discuss innovative solutions for reducing the environmental impacts of mining.
  
• Special Session 7: Advances in Geothermal Science and Subsurface Thermal Energy Systems
  Organized by Joseph DeLuca
  This special session highlights emerging research and applications in geothermal energy and subsurface thermal systems. We welcome contributions on reservoir characterization, heat-flow analysis, geophysical imaging, thermal modeling, drilling technologies, EGS development, monitoring and induced seismicity, and environmental assessment. We also encourage work related to ground thermal energy storage (BTES/ATES), geothermal gradient analysis, borehole data utilization, and mine-water geothermal or mine-to-thermal conversions. Contributions examining the role of geothermal in energy resilience, community energy planning, Indigenous energy sovereignty, or national energy security are also welcome. Interdisciplinary approaches bridging geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, engineering, and energy-systems analysis are especially encouraged. The session aims to bring together students, researchers, and industry professionals advancing subsurface geothermal research and applications across Atlantic Canada and beyond.

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General sessions

Geoscience Research Developments
This is a general geoscience session for talks and posters that were not submitted for a special session. This session invites research spanning regional geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geomorphology, hydrogeology, and environmental geoscience. Contributions may include field observations, subsurface and offshore studies, analytical advances, and modeling approaches that enhance understanding of the region’s geological evolution and resources. Interdisciplinary and applied studies are encouraged. The session provides a platform for sharing insights that contribute to the broader understanding of Atlantic Canada’s dynamic geoscientific landscape.

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Student Evaluations

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Call for Nominations for AGS Awards

The Atlantic Geoscience Society is accepting nominations by 8 January 2025 in the following categories:

AGS Distinguished Scientist Award (Gesner Medal)
AGS Distinguished Service Award (Laing Ferguson Award)
AGS Nelly Koziel Award

The call for nominations contains the criteria for each award and the requirement for each nomination package, details linked HERE. Nominations, supporting letters, and all documentation should be submitted by email to the Vice Chair, Karl Butler, to allow easy dispersal to award adjudicators.

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Student Travel Grants

The AGS Student Travel Grant enables up to 4 students to attend and present at the AGS Annual Colloquium. Students can apply for up to $400 in funding in the first instance. Priority will be given to students who are travelling more than 500 km to attend the conference, presenting talks or posters, or who wish to attend a workshop offered as part of the conference. Students should send their applications directly to Rob Raeside, attaching a single pdf with a short cover letter including a statement indicating their degree program, why they wish to attend the meeting and how they expect to benefit from it, a copy of the abstract as planned to be submitted to the AGS Colloquium and a budget of the costs associated with attendance, including travel, and other sources of funding available. The submission deadline for a travel grant is 31 December 2025 and applicants will be informed of the results soon after to provide time for travel planning and conference registration. Successful applicants will be required to provide receipts after travel (or a travel claim from their institution). The funds will be provided to the student at the Colloquium.

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Accessibility

Inn on Prince in Truro has been selected as the venue for the conference based on its location as the “Hub of Nova Scotia” and its moderate rates. It is, however, a rambling building that presents some accessibility issues. The conference is located on two floors that can be accessed by (a rather slow!) elevator, as can the second level of rooms. All delegates need to be aware that it takes time to move from the session rooms on the main level to the poster room and banquet venue in the lower level.

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Colloquium location

The Atlantic Geoscience Society has a block of rooms at the Inn on Prince, 437 Prince Street, Truro, Nova Scotia for the nights of February 6th and 7th. The room rate is $143/night (+ taxes) and includes buffet breakfast. Reservations can be made over the phone at: (902) 895-1651 or (888) 895-1651. Credit card bookings will require a $200 security deposit that will be returned once the room is inspected at check-out. Rates are nightly and are subject to 15 % HST tax and 3% Marketing Levy. Rooms must be booked by January 20, 2026, after which they are subject to availability and rate change.

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AGM agenda and Bylaws update

A proposal to update the bylaws is presented as a pdf file here or as a Word file here, with modifications shown by Track Changes. The full agenda for the AGM will be posted here when reports are all received.