Every year, the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly transforms Vienna into a bustling hub of scientific discovery. Tens of thousands of scientists from around the world gather to present their latest research, but how do these discoveries reach the public? That’s where the EGU press centre comes in—a space where science meets storytelling, and complex research is translated into stories that inspire, inform, and spark conversations worldwide.
Our role: Connecting scientists and the world
At the heart of our mission is a simple but vital goal: to be the bridge between scientists and the public. The EGU press team is dedicated to making groundbreaking research accessible to journalists, science communicators, and, ultimately, people everywhere. We do this by:
-
Hosting press conferences: We organise press conferences where top researchers present their latest findings. This year, we hosted six press conferences covering topics from air pollution’s impact on health to the latest discoveries from NASA’s Juno mission.
-
Providing interview rooms: We offer private spaces for journalists to interview scientists one-on-one to get the stories they need without disruption.
-
Offering media support: Our team is always available to help journalists find experts, understand complex topics, and access multiple media resources.
Why our work matters: More than just a venue
At first glance, the EGU press centre might seem like just a space where journalists and scientists cross paths. But having worked this year for months leading up to the General Assembly on all things press and media, I can tell you one thing for sure: it’s much more than that. It is a critical hub where science transforms into stories that can inspire change, drive policy, and educate the public. I was delighted to see our press conference speakers meet in person for the first time and exchange conversations before and after their press conference took place. I was even more thrilled when some journalists approached our speakers about either interviewing them or writing about their work. This is where science begins its democratisation process, and being part of the incredible team who made this happen is very gratifying.
Here’s why what we do truly matters:
Empowering scientists to share their work
In addition to the resources we provide for both scientists and journalists such as our science-media toolkit, we aim for the press centre to be the space where theory is put into practice. We are very aware that not all scientists are natural communicators, and that’s okay. Our press centre provides a platform for researchers who may be less experienced with media interactions. We offer them guidance on how to explain their work in a way that captures public interest without losing scientific accuracy. I also offer rehearsals for the press conference speakers during the week leading to the General Assembly to give our scientists the confidence to present live. This not only amplifies their voices but also helps them make a real-world impact with their findings.
Bridging science and policy
Science doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it shapes and is shaped by policies. Our press conferences, more often than not, highlight research with clear policy implications, making them a critical resource for policymakers, NGOs, and public organisations. From climate change adaptation strategies to new health guidelines, the insights shared at our press conferences can directly influence decision-making!
Making science inclusive and accessible
Our media and press team is committed to making science accessible to all. By supporting journalists who craft clear, engaging stories, we ensure that even complex research reaches people of all backgrounds. Our work also supports diverse perspectives, with press conferences that highlight global research and amplify voices from underrepresented regions and fields.
Building a community of science communicators
The EGU press centre is also a community space. Journalists connect with each other, share tips, and exchange story ideas. Scientists who may never have met otherwise find common ground. It’s not just a place to hear the latest research—it’s a place where connections are made, and a culture of scientific storytelling is nurtured.
Discover the stories we’ve shared: EGU25 Press Conferences
This year, we’ve curated and hosted a series of six press conferences covering a wide range of critical topics:
-
PC1 – Take My Breath Away? How Air Pollution Affects Chronic Diseases, Schools, and Social Mobility.
Discover how air pollution is not just an environmental problem but a direct threat to public health, affecting everything from chronic diseases to educational outcomes. -
PC2 – Hot Takes & Policy Quakes: When Geoscience Meets Social Science.
Explore how climate science and social science are converging to tackle the world’s most urgent environmental challenges. -
PC3 – NASA’s Juno Mission: Briefing.
We received the latest updates from NASA’s Juno mission, which continues to transform our understanding of Jupiter, our solar system’s largest planet. -
PC4 – Power Tripped? Building for the Future with Resilient Climate Technologies.
We were immersed in innovative technologies that could help us build a more sustainable and resilient future. -
PC5 – From Soil to Supper: Plastics in Your Fields, Waters, & Lungs.
Uncover the hidden dangers of plastic pollution, from agricultural soils to the air we breathe. -
PC6 – Floods and Future Fears: Our Planet’s Escalating Climate Hazards.
On how climate change is making natural disasters more frequent and severe, and what we can do about it.
Beyond the press centre:
But our work doesn’t end when the press conferences wrap up. We stay connected, supporting journalists with follow-up questions, arranging one-on-one interviews, and providing high-quality visuals and data. Our team also monitors media coverage, celebrating when research is highlighted and learning from the stories that gain the most traction.
Over the coming weeks, I will publish a series of six blog posts, each exploring the discussions and discoveries presented at our 2025 General Assembly press conferences. Our aim is to give you a closer look at the science, the stories, and the people behind the headlines.
At the EGU press centre, we believe that great science deserves great storytelling. So stay tuned as I bring you more insights from the frontlines of research, where new ideas are born, tested, and shared with the world.
