Overview

About AAPG

Since its founding in 1917, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists has been a pillar of the worldwide scientific community. The original purpose of AAPG, to foster scientific research, to advance the science of geology, to promote technology, and to inspire high professional conduct, still guides the Association today.

AAPG provides publications, conferences, and educational opportunities to geoscientists and disseminates the most current geological information available to the general public.

AAPG is a nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS as an Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(6) organization. 

As the world's premier professional association for explorationists, AAPG is about the science of petroleum geology.

It's also about the people.

AAPG's membership is made up of about 40,000 members in 129 countries in the upstream energy industry who collaborate – and compete – to provide the means for humankind to thrive.

AAPG provides the network of communications that allow those professionals to succeed.

We invite you to see who we are, what we are about and to contact us for membership information or details about the many services we provide.

Who We Are

AAPG, an international geological organization, has offices in London, Dubai, Singapore, Bogotá, Lagos and Washington, DC. Included among its membership are geologists, geophysicists, CEOs, managers, consultants, students, and professors.

• 45% of AAPG membership holds a title of manager or above.
• AAPG membership includes over 8,000 students.
• 39% of AAPG membership lives outside the United States.
• For 43% of the membership, exploration is the primary concentration. Another 18% have their primary concentration in development/reservoir management.
• AAPG has nearly 100 Affiliated Societies spanning the globe. Also, there are eleven national or international organizations which hold Associated status with AAPG.

The purposes of this Association are to:

• advance the science of geology, especially as it relates to petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, and mineral resources; 
• to promote the technology of exploring for, finding, and producing these materials in an economically and environmentally sound manner; 
• to foster the spirit of scientific research throughout its membership; 
• to disseminate information relating to the geology and the associated technology of petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, and mineral resources; 
• to inspire and maintain a high standard of professional conduct on the part of its members; 
• to provide the public with means to recognize adequately trained and professionally responsible geologists; and 
• to advance the professional well-being of its members. 

Download framable Code of Ethics.

Download a complete copy of the AAPG Constitution and Bylaws.

Article IV of the AAPG Constitution contains the Code of Ethics that every Member of the Association agrees to. It is important if you are considering joining the AAPG that you review this Article and familiarize yourself with its objectives.

Article IV. Code of Ethics

Section 1. General Principles

1. Geology is a profession, and the privilege of professional practice requires professional morality and professional responsibility.
2. Honesty, integrity, loyalty, fairness, impartiality, candor, fidelity to trust, and inviolability of confidence are incumbent upon every member as professional obligations.
3. Each member shall be guided by high standards of business ethics, personal honor, and professional conduct. The word member as used throughout this code includes all classes of membership.

Section 2. Relation of Members to the Public

1. Members shall not make false, misleading, or unwarranted statements, representations or claims in regard to professional matters, nor shall they engage in false or deceptive advertising
2. Members shall not permit the publication or use of their reports or maps for any unsound or illegitimate undertakings.
3. Members shall not give professional opinions, make reports or give legal testimony without being as thoroughly informed as reasonably required.

Section 3. Relation of Members to Employers and Clients

1. Members shall disclose to prospective employers or clients the existence of any pertinent competitive or conflicting interests.
2. Members shall not use or divulge any employer's or client's confidential information without their permission and shall avoid conflicts of interest that may arise from information gained during geological investigations.

Section 4. Relation of Members to One Another

1. Members shall not falsely or maliciously attempt to injure the reputation or business of others.
2. Members shall freely recognize the work done by others, avoi d plagiarism, and avoid the acceptance of credit due others.
3. Members shall endeavor to cooperate with others in the profession and shall encourage the ethical dissemination of geological knowledge.

Section 5. Duty to the Association

1. Members of the Association shall aid in preventing the election to membership of those who are unqualified or do not meet the standards set forth in this Code of Ethics.
2. By applying for or continuing membership in the Association each member agrees to uphold the ethical standards set forth in this Code of Ethics.
3. Members shall not use AAPG membership to imply endorsement, recommendation, or approval by the Association of specific projects or proposals.

Section 6. Discipline for Violations of Standards

Members violating any standard prescribed in this Article shall be subject to discipline as provided by the Bylaws