The LIPs Commission was formed in 1993, as the scale and importance of LIPs in Earth history was appreciated, and the need for an international multidisciplinary effort recognized.
Led by Drs. Mike Coffin and John Mahoney between 1993 and1998, the study of LIPs expanded, particularly that of oceanic plateaus and ocean basin flood basalts. An important publication was: Mahoney & Coffin (eds.) Large Igneous Provinces: Continental, Oceanic and Planetary Flood Volcanism. AGU Geophys. Mon. 100, 1997.
From 1998 to 2003, under the leadership of Drs. Martin Menzies and John Hopper, the Commission focussed on volcanic rifted margins (including seaward dipping reflectors and high velocity lower crust). A key publication is: Menzies et al. Volcanic Rifted Margins Geological Society of America Spec. Paper 362, 2002
From 2003 to 2013 it has been co-led by Drs. Richard Ernst and Ian Campbell, with a focus on LIPs through time, planetary LIPs and the debate on mantle plume vs. non-plume origins for LIPs.
From 2013 to 2021 it has been led by Dr. Richard Ernst (President), with Drs. Simon Jowitt, Ingrid Ukstins and Mike Widdowson (as VPs) and with Dr. Scott Bryan (as representative on the IAVCEI Liaison Committee).