Early Career Scientists (ECS) – defined as a student, a PhD candidate, or a practising scientist who received their highest certificate (e.g. BSc, MSc or PhD) within the past seven years – compose about half of EGU’s members.
Many of the sessions and events throughout the Assembly are built with our ECS attendees in mind, from introducing you to the Assembly and the Union as a whole or the numerous ECS-orientated networking events and short courses. All provide opportunities for early career scientists to meet, learn and develop.
This article is a guide to particular events we think are of note to the ECS community, however it does not cover everything: many of the scientific sessions are convened by and feature ECS, so be sure to refer back to the programme for a fuller picture.
Remember to keep track of events by building your personal programme and downloading the EGU26 app!
How to find your Early Career Scientist Representative
Each scientific division has an Early Career Scientist representative who ensures that ECS voices are given a platform during the Assembly and throughout the year. As a member of one or more divisions, contacting your ECS representative is a sure way to get informed of opportunities and events, or provide feedback and shape the Union’s decision-making.
To find the ECS representatives, visit the ECS Stand at the EGU networking zone – next to EGU booth, Hall X2, where you can ask them more about what EGU does for its ECS community and how you can get involved.
If you want to meet the ECS Rep for your scientific division, check out the Meet EGU programme which lists opportunities to meet division teams, including ECS reps, alongside meetings with community members like journal editors and the EGU executive office.
You can also meet ECS reps at the many pop-up networking events which the reps often organise and run. Many of these events are for ECS to grow their network through icebreakers, lunches and evening events.
Finally, you can learn more about ECS rep activities and provide feedback at the ECS Forum: Have your say! (Thursday 7 May, 12:45 – 13:45).
The General Assembly for first-time attendees
Those attending the Assembly for the first time should stop by the short courses and networking events built to ease you in.
Monday 4 May, 10:45–12:30 – How to navigate EGU: tips and tricks
Monday hosts a short course to help first-time attendees and those unsure about how to approach the Assembly. This is your first stop to learn how to get around the Assembly, what to look out for, or learn about what the European Geosciences Union is.
Monday 04 May, 18:00 – 19:30 – First-time Attendee Networking
Attendees looking to build their network or meet others fresh to the Assembly and from across the Union should drop by this event especially for newcomers.
Tuesday 05 May, 12:45 -13:45 – Peer Support Meet-Up
If you are taking part in the EGU Peer Support programme, then meet other novices (conference first-time attendees) and mentors over lunch on Tuesday.
For more advice on how to approach the Assembly before the event, take a look at our “First time at an EGU General Assembly? We’ve got you covered!” blog.
Union-wide highlights
Sunday 3 May 18:30 – 21:00 – Opening Reception
Celebrate the start of the Assembly! Here you can meet other members of your Division – including ECS representatives – to find out more about what’s on and grow your networks ahead of the Assembly properly.
Monday to Thursday 10:15 – 10:45 – ECS Coffee Break Catch-Up
An informal space to meet and check in with your network. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby stalls and then make your way to the EGU Booth to meet with other ECS in attendance!
Tuesday 5 May 18:00 – 19:30 – ECS Networking Reception
This flagship networking event brings together ECS from across the Union’s scientific divisions: this is your opportunity to make interdisciplinary connections and to meet with community members including award-winning scientists, journal editors, and representatives from other geoscience societies. Table signs will indicate where to meet with members of a division or find people interested in a cross-cutting themes such as policy, publications or science communication. No registration is required.
Please note: the event has a maximum capacity, and once the Rooftop Foyer is full, attendees will be requested to network in the second location, Foyer C.
Monday to Thursday, Foyer D, Purple Level -2 – Job Spot
Finally, a jobs board is present in the corner of Foyer D on the basement level, near room -2.15. Here you can post your CV, job opportunities or vacancies!
Sessions for discussion and growth
The General Assembly gives Early Career Scientists the opportunity to join discussions which span different disciplines and define the geoscience community. In particular, the uneven and often exclusionary recognition of research excellence keenly impacts ECS, the discussion of which will feature in the below keynote:
Thursday 7 May, 10:45 – 12:30 – Union Symposia: redefining excellence and academic career pathways in the geosciences
Short courses to provide support and training for ECS:
Short Courses: Communication
Monday 4 May, 16:15 – 18:00 – Scared, but prepared: Present with confidence
Tuesday 5 May, 16:15 – 18:00 – Communicating Your Science: Blogs, Press Releases, and Media Interviews
Wednesday 6 May, 14:00 – 15:45 – Get your writing right: A hands-on, participatory workshop to help improve writing skills
Thursday 7 May 14:00–15:45 – Elevate your Pitch: Developing Engaging Short Scientific Presentations
Short Courses: Careers
Wednesday 6 May, 10:45 – 12:30 – Invited to interview? Prepare for success with job applications and interviews in industry and academia
Thursday 7 May, 16:15–18:00 – Careers inside and outside of academia: Panel discussion
Friday, 8 May, 08:30–10:15 – Transferable skills: what are they and do I have them?
Short Courses: Research Practices
Tuesday 5 May, 08:30 – 10:15 – Best Practices for Early Career Researcher (ECR) Engagement and Empowerment
Friday 8 May, 14:00 – 15:45 – Sustainable Research Software
Friday 8 May, 16:15 – 18:00 – Good programming practices for scientists. Essential rules for efficient programming
Keep an eye on GeoLog – the official blog of EGU – ahead and during the Assembly to keep informed on what’s coming up at EGU26. If you have any questions about ECS sessions and events, get in contact with your ECS representative. We look forward to welcoming you to Vienna, either in-person or online!
