The IGCP Scientific Board is responsible for evaluating project proposals according to the IGCP Guidelines, as well as for the quality assessment of projects that are in progress. The Board consists of about 46 specialists who are charged with the technical reviews. A Chairperson and five theme group leaders from the Board are appointed to annually manage and represent the collective reviews and process of evaluating projects within their appointed thematic cluster. They assemble at UNESCO Headquarters on the occasion of the IGCP Scientific Board meeting, usually held in February each year.

Board members represent specific fields in the earth sciences, and jointly reflect a worldwide geographic distribution. Board Members are appointed though IGCP National Committees and approved according to the IGCP Statutes jointly by UNESCO and IUGS.

Once a year, the Theme Leaders (5) and their respective team members assess the progress of about half a dozen existing projects as provided in their annual reports and also critique several new project proposals for the future funding.