# University of Texas Institute for Geophysics

> research unit at the University of Texas at Austin

**Wikidata**: [Q98513267](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q98513267)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-texas-institute-for-geophysics

## Summary
The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) is a research unit within the University of Texas at Austin that focuses on the field of geophysics. Founded in 1972 by Maurice Ewing, the institute operates as part of the Jackson School of Geosciences and is located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin, Texas.

## Key Facts
- **Formal Name:** University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG).
- **Founding:** Established in 1972 by Maurice Ewing.
- **Parent Organization:** University of Texas at Austin; part of the Jackson School of Geosciences since 2001.
- **Location:** J.J. Pickle Research Campus, Building 196, 10100 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas.
- **Primary Field:** Geophysics.
- **Historical Names:** Earth and Planetary Sciences Division (1972–1974); Galveston Geophysics Laboratory (1974–1982).
- **Current Director:** Demian Saffer (starting 2020).
- **Contact:** utig@ig.utexas.edu | ig.utexas.edu

## FAQs
### Q: When was the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics founded?
A: The institute was founded in 1972 by Maurice Ewing. It was originally known as the Earth and Planetary Sciences Division.

### Q: Is UTIG part of a specific school within the University of Texas?
A: Yes, while it is a unit of the University of Texas at Austin, the institute has been part of the Jackson School of Geosciences since 2001.

### Q: Where is the institute physically located?
A: The institute is located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin, Texas, specifically in Building 196 at 10100 Burnet Road.

## Why It Matters
The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics serves as a critical hub for geophysical research within the academic framework of the University of Texas system. Its establishment by Maurice Ewing, a prominent figure in the field, laid the groundwork for decades of specialized study. By transitioning from a division and a laboratory (the Galveston Geophysics Laboratory) to a permanent institute within the Jackson School of Geosciences, UTIG has secured its role as a long-term contributor to the Earth sciences. It facilitates advanced research through its dedicated facilities at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, supporting the university's mission of scientific inquiry and education.

## Notable For
- **Origin:** Founded by Maurice Ewing, a pioneer in marine geology and geophysics.
- **Historical Evolution:** Has operated under three distinct official names since its inception in 1972, reflecting its organizational evolution.
- **Academic Integration:** A key component of the Jackson School of Geosciences, one of the most established geoscience programs in the United States.
- **Leadership:** Historically led by a lineage of distinguished scientists including J. Lamar Worzel, Arthur E. Maxwell, and Paul Stoffa.

## Body
### Organizational History
The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics was founded in 1972 by Maurice Ewing. Over its history, the organization has operated under three official names:
*   **1972–1974:** Earth and Planetary Sciences Division
*   **1974–1982:** Galveston Geophysics Laboratory
*   **1982–Present:** University of Texas Institute for Geophysics

In 2001, the institute became part of the Jackson School of Geosciences, its current parent organization.

### Leadership
The institute has been managed by several directors throughout its history.
*   **1972–1974:** Maurice Ewing (term ended upon death)
*   **1974–1979:** J. Lamar Worzel (term ended upon retirement)
*   **1982–1994:** Arthur E. Maxwell (term ended upon retirement)
*   **1994–2008:** Paul Stoffa
*   **2009–2018:** Terrence M. Quinn
*   **2020–Present:** Demian Saffer

### Location and Contact
The institute is based in the United States in Austin, Texas. Its physical address is the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, Building 196, 10100 Burnet Road (R2200), Austin, TX 78758-4445. The official website is https://ig.utexas.edu, and the general contact email is utig@ig.utexas.edu.

### Identifiers and Social Media
The institute maintains a digital presence across various platforms and is tracked by several academic identifiers.
*   **ROR ID:** 00fj73d18
*   **Ringgold ID:** 464156
*   **Social Media:**
    *   Twitter: @UTGeophysics
    *   Facebook: UTInstituteforGeophysics
    *   Instagram: @utgeophysics
    *   YouTube: utgeophysics (Channel ID: UCe31f1W7Q48G5GWvNTPebcA)

## References

1. [Institutional History](https://ig.utexas.edu/about/history-of-university-of-texas-institute-for-geophysics/)
2. [Source](https://www.ig.utexas.edu/about/)
3. [Source](https://ig.utexas.edu)
4. ROR release v1.53
5. YouTube API