The association aims to improve and promote the assessment of measurement uncertainty and data quality as fit for purpose through proficiency testing and the development and use of geochemical reference materials.
[5][6] The IAG organises meetings, conferences, workshops and short courses, is associated with journal publishing, and operates two proficiency testing schemes: GeoPT, initiated in 1996,[7] intended for analytical chemistry laboratories dealing with whole-rock geochemical analyses and G-Probe for microprobe and laser ablation ICP-MS geochemical laboratories.
The past presidents of the association are: Douglas L. Miles (formerly of the British Geological Survey), Philip J. Potts (The Open University, UK), Michael Wiedenbeck (Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam, Germany) and Thomas C. Meisel (Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria).
Eligibility is limited to scientists who are currently pursuing a higher degree in a field related to geoanalysis or who have completed their university education within the past five years.
The award promotes the careers of young scientists who have either developed innovative analytical methods or provided new strategies to improve data quality as applied to the chemical analysis of geological or environmental samples.