Meet The Team!
RGIK is guided by a dedicated team consisting of the Executive Committee and an Advisory Board composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds in rock glacier research. Their collective expertise supports the development, validation, and dissemination of rock glacier data for both research and applied purposes.
Executive Committee
RGIK is led by an executive committee consisting of two (2) co-Chairs and other members that are the governing body. Each term lasts two (2) years and the current executive committee serves up to 2026. After the co-Chairs, each member is listed in alphabetic order.
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board is the counselling body of RGIK, providing non-binding strategic advice and scientific expertise to the Executive Committee. Each member is listed in alphabetic order.
RGIK Governance History
2024 - 2026 ExCom
Building on the foundational work of the Interim ExCom, the members of the 2024-2026 ExCom coordinated a period of significant operational expansion and advancement. The team successfully reactivated the RoGI and RGV working groups, introducing new initiatives and panels focused on further refining best practices and more equitable ways forward. To further the mission of RGIK, the ExCom also facilitated the creation of new working groups, Machine Learning, Data Management, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Beyond technical outputs, the ExCom has increased the visibility and accessibility of RGIK by launching a comprehensive website, a quarterly newsletter, and a YouTube channel. To foster a more connected global network, the monthly webinar series continued and also launched a special series for Early-Career Researchers. The groundwork created during this ExCom tenure for a summer school course through PermaCOST. The collective efforts of this ExCom ensured that RGIK transitioned into a dynamic and more connected scientific community, further establishing the framework for future ExComs.
Cécile Pellet, Switzerland (Co-Chair)
Roles: Data Management Working Group (Primary), Rock Glacier Velocity (RGV) Working Group, GTN-P Representative
Line Rouyet, Norway (Co-Chair)
Roles: Rock Glacier Velocity (RGV) Working Group (Primary), Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group, Scandinavia Regional Representative
Francesco Brardinoni, Italy
Roles: Rock Glacier Inventory Working Group, Central Europe Regional Representative
Diego Cusicanqui, France
Roles: Data Management Working Group, Machine Learning Working Group, Rock Glacier Velocity (RGV) Working Group, South America Regional Representative
Yan Hu, China
Roles: Rock Glacier Inventory (RoGI) Working Group (Primary), Data Management Working Group, Asia Regional Representative
Kaytan Kelkar, USA
Roles: PYRN Representative, RGIK Social Media
Ben Robson, Norway
Roles: Machine Learning Working Group (Primary), Oceania Regional Representative
Mishelle Wehbe, Canada
Roles: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group (Primary), Rock Glacier Inventory (RoGI) Working Group, Webmaster, RGIK Social Media
2023 - 2024 Interim ExCom
The Interim ExCom was a transitional body tasked with formalising RGIK from an IPA Action Group into a Standing Committee. During their term, this team established the foundational organisational structure and drafted the RGIK constitution, bylaws, and the addendum code of conduct on equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Interim ExCom also engaged in a through evaluation of RGIK’s operational framework, assessing existing structures to determine what was essential, what required modification, and where new gaps existed. This coordination ensured that each working group had clear objectives and goals to drive the respective initiatives forward. Their work provided the foundation for the current and future Executive Committees to continue the mission and goals of RGIK for years to come.
Francesco Brardinoni, Italy
Diego Cusicanqui, France
Yan Hu, China
Kaytan Kelkar, USA
Cécile Pellet, Switzerland
Line Rouyet, Norway
Mishelle Wehbe, Canada