Vienna transformed into a buzzing hub of scientific exchange as the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly (GA) 2025 took place from 27 April to 2 May. Over 20,000 scientists from 120 countries gathered to share groundbreaking research across the Earth, planetary, and space sciences.
Attending the GA for the first time as part of the Early Career Scientists (ECS) Team of the Solar-Terrestrial Sciences (ST) Division was inspiring and eye-opening. Here are some of my impressions from this exciting journey into the heart of the scientific community.
We, the ST ECS team welcomed our fellows on Sunday, 28th April, 2025, post-registration with Drinks organized in collaboration with other EGU divisions. Researchers and Professors from different parts of the world gathered in front of the badge collection area and moved to Copa Beach. The excitement for the upcoming week was glowing on everyone’s faces as we talked about various topics. Later, we joined the official opening reception arranged by EGU.
EGU 2025 officially kicked off on Monday, and the conference centre was abuzz with activity. The ST sessions had something for everyone-whether you are into solar physics, the heliosphere, magnetosphere, ionosphere, thermosphere, or space weather. To make the day extra special, the ST ECS team had arranged a picnic during lunchtime. With our banners in hand, we gathered in front of X4 and made our way to the serene atmosphere of Donaupark. We had experts like Professors Manuela Temmer, Emilia Kilpua, Nozomu Nishitani, Ingrid Mann, Astrid Maute, and Alexis Rouillard (our current Division President), all bringing different perspectives from science to career paths. For those who work in multidisciplinary topics, there were opportunities to interact with ECSs from other divisions, such as Earth Magnetism & Rock Physics (EMRP) and Planetary Science (PS). We had a great time sharing our thoughts and learning from their experiences.
ST ECS lunch/picnic on Monday, April 28. Photo: ST ECS Team.
Later, we had a networking session, Meet the ST ECS and Communication Teams at the EGU booth in Hall X2. There, we met researchers from various fields, shared our work, and listened to their experiences.
Our division president, Prof. Alexis Rouillard, with the ECS and Communication teams were at the EGU booth on Monday, April 28. Photo: ST ECS Team.
Tuesday started with a brilliant lecture by Prof. Richard Horne on “Electron Acceleration by Wave-Particle Interactions at the Earth and Magnetised Planets”. Prof. Horne is this year’s Julius Bartels Medal winner. In the evening, we gathered at the Rooftop Foyer for the ECS First-Time Attendee Networking Reception. This event brought all ECSs, who are attending the EGU GA for the first time, from across the scientific divisions alongside award-winning researchers and members of the EGU Union Council and Committees.
On Wednesday, we had the ST Division meeting where Alexis discussed the division activities throughout the year. Last year’s Outstanding Student and PhD candidate Presentation (OSPP) Award was presented to Leonard Schulz for his work on the “Capabilities of the wave telescope for multi-scale spacecraft configurations using a Vlasiator simulation”.
Some activities during the ST division meeting on Wednesday, April 30. Photo: ST ECS Team.
Andreas Wagner, the current ST ECS Representative, gave a presentation about the ST ECS activities, and Dr. Eleanna Asvestari (the former ST Media and Communication Officer) discussed the activities she led. The new ECS team was accepted during this meeting. Different aspects of EGU 2025 were also discussed, focusing on issues like crowded halls and the short time slots for oral presentations. It was lovely to see the entire ST Division uniting to find solutions.
Later that night, we had the ST ECS Dinner, where we connected with other ECSs from the ST Division.
Dinner for ECSs on Wednesday, April 30. Photo: ST ECS Team.
In the fading moments of the week, on Thursday, we had the privilege of attending Dr. Karin Dissauer‘s Division Outstanding ECS Award Lecture. Her talk on “Footprints of Giants- Exploring Early Diagnostics of Coronal Mass Ejections Through Coronal Dimmings” was not only scientifically enriching but also inspired young minds about the scientific impact early-career researchers can make in this field.
And then, it was already time to say goodbye.
At the ECS handover on Friday, a new era began for the ST Division. Dr. Liliana Macotela officially passed the torch to Andreas as the ST ECS Representative. Liliana has been fantastic in this role, her dedication, experience and invaluable contributions have truly shaped our community. On the other hand, there’s excitement in the air as Andreas steps into the role with fresh ideas.
EGU 2025 ended in a bittersweet moment when Andreas gave his emotional speech. As Liliana wisely said, “Moving from a known position is sometimes scary, but think positively and feel sure that new adventures will come and everything will end well”. We’re confident that Andreas will keep our division vibrant and connected in the years to come. He is also supported by the co-representative Dr. Geetashree Kakoti, whose teamwork will surely strengthen the team.
As EGU 2025 wraps up, the sense of community and enthusiasm among ECSs is stronger than ever. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning participant, the connections and inspiration from this week will carry forward. The ST_ECS Slack is a great space to share your science, connect with peers, ask questions and stay connected to the ST Division. Not a member yet? Just drop us an email at ecs@egu.eu with the subject line “Access to ST-ECS Slack”, and we’ll get you set up.
Until next time…
