Announcement from CEO Marcel van Loon

I would like to take this opportunity to share with members that we are planning big changes for First Break in 2026 details of which we should be in a position to announce at the Annual in June.

The Board have accepted that, like many similar publications, sustaining a monthly printed version of the journal is no longer economically viable in terms of print, international distribution costs and advertising revenue trends. Digital publishing options have therefore been considered.

We believe that we have come up with a very dynamic solution that honours members’ expectations of First Break in terms of providing first-class technical content, industry news and analysis, and comprehensive coverage of our Association’s services, events, etc. At the same time, the new format will provide additional opportunities for companies and organisations looking for exposure to our community through advertising, partnerships, sponsorships, etc., thereby meeting our revenue objectives. Furthermore, less printing, packaging and mailing of First Break aligns with our mission to reduce the carbon footprint of the Association’s activities.

We are proposing that beginning in 2026 there will be printed editions of First Break every quarter. This will be supported by an entirely reimagined online platform designed to provide a continuous reference point for members covering every aspect of our community in a variety of digital formats, the contents of which are under discussion but podcasts, videos, live coverage, etc. will certainly be in the mix linked where appropriate to the printed First Break and potentially EarthDoc.

Once we have established the basic model, we will be inviting you, our members, to participate in a survey to establish what kind of content you would like to see in the new set up.

I hope members will join me in being excited at this initiative which can greatly improve our communications as the role of geoscience and engineering adapts to the energy transition.

Online only issues in H2/2025

In anticipation of the upcoming changes, please be aware that this year there will only be nine printed issues of First Break. In the months of July, August and December, the journal will only be available online, still published in the current format at the beginning of the month.