Behind the European Geosciences Union (EGU) is a dedicated team ensuring smooth operations for our 20,000+ members. The entire EGU Council recently convened in person, fostering essential dialogue among council members, including the 22 Division Representatives and us, the Early Career Scientist (ECS) Division Reps. Read on to delve into the latest developments and initiatives driving our union forward!
During the EGU Council meeting, all Committees presented their decisions and discussions. As ECS Reps, we actively engage with these committees through our tailored working groups and representation. Gain a current overview of the Union’s key topics!
Empowering Scientific Publishing
EGU offers a significant platform for scientific publishing, with the Publication Committee highlighting the high quality and transparency of open-access articles, not forgetting about the intriguing discussions surrounding AI in publications.
To equip yourself with the knowledge needed for successful publication, join our short courses at the General Assembly (GA), “SC4.8 Meet the editors (1): how to write and revise your manuscript” and SC4.9 “Meet the Editors (2): How to publish and peer-review”.
Extending Outreach Opportunities and Bridging Science and Policy
In terms of outreach, EGU has a plethora of offerings, from online workshop series suggested by you to boasting a substantial presence at the GA with 27 sessions and 421 abstracts. Wow! Get ready for a Geoscience Day, apply for the Teacher-Scientist Pairing, and dive into the Mentoring Scheme. Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in a half-day excursion in Vienna with the Division on Energy, Resources and the Environment (ERE)!
Policy plays a crucial role in the geosciences, and we are delighted that initiatives like the science-policy pairing scheme have been well-received. Discussions are underway to potentially shorten the duration of the scheme and collaborate on mentoring with ESA, promising exciting opportunities on the horizon!
Celebrating Diverse Awards Nominations
The Awards Committee is excited to announce a strong showing of ECS nominations, reflecting also the gender diversity within our group.
However, we’ve observed an imbalance in gender distribution among non-ECS nominations, as well as a lack of nominations from Eastern Europe.
By ramping up promotion efforts for the awards, our aim is to ensure a more diverse and balanced pool of nominees!
Promoting Equity and Inclusion
The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee is actively addressing barriers through initiatives like the EDI Participation Support Fund, providing financial assistance to remove barriers related to parenting, disability, and unemployment.
We are planning a webinar series on academic structures and mental health while advocating for updates to the EGU website’s job section. Excitingly, plans for a Counseling – Psychological Help/Desk during EGU week are in the works for GA25.
Connecting through Communication
It is the EGU Office that always keeps you in the loop, tackling various tasks including representation on social media.
The switch from X (formerly Twitter) to Mastodon has intrigued us as scientists. Engagement on the latter has been labelled as low thus far, but the platform BlueSky is opening new doors.
In addition to the newsletter, we are also diving into video-based content. Take a peek at the current schedule and see what interests you, like “How to prepare for EGU” on 7 March.
Furthermore, the EGU Office is working on adapting many texts you read or find in the fine print into different languages, particularly German, as the EGU Office is based in Munich. We are also exploring new efficient ways for knowledge transfer within the Union.
Ensuring Sustainability and Accessibility at the General Assembly
As we gear up for the General Assembly, meticulous planning ensures a seamless experience for attendees, from finalised timetables to enhanced presentation upload systems and updated codes of conduct.
With over 60 short courses covering diverse topics, our focus on accessibility and inclusiveness remains steadfast. This includes provisions for gender-neutral facilities and sustainable practices such as eco-friendly ‘Green EGU’ name badges. Additionally, we’re offering free registration for caregivers of children under three, reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Explore the Art-Science program for further enriching experiences!
In just a few weeks, get ready to immerse yourself in over 19,796 accepted abstracts, with 57% originating from ECS members. The future of geosciences is vibrant, inclusive, and brimming with possibilities – and we are excited to journey together towards new adventures!
Save the date for foreseen receptions and networking events:
- ECS Networking Reception on Tuesday, 18:00-19:00
- EGU Medals & Awards Celebration on Wednesday, 17:30-19:30
- ECS Forum on Thursday, 12:45-13:45
Join our Team!
Are you eager to peek behind the scenes and play an active role in shaping things? Then come and join us! Together, let’s elevate science to new heights!
