There are so many great events to participate in at EGU26 this year, in both on-site and virtual formats, that it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed. Whilst we encourage you to make good use of your Personal Programme to help organise your activities, we also reached out to several of EGU’s Committees that are responsible for specific other aspects of EGU’s activities, including the Education and Outreach Committees, the Publications Committee, the Early Career Scientists (ECS), Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) working group and the Science for Policy working group, to ask them for their recommendations as to what not to miss during EGU26!
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee
The EDI Committee is a very active group of mostly volunteers who give generously of their time, experience and ideas to help EGU work towards becoming a more inclusive organisation. Started in late 2018, the group has already achieved a lot behind the scenes and publicly, including adding the new EDI logo to sessions that meet our minimum diversity guidelines, that you will see on sessions during the General Assembly. The group is currently co-chaired by Lisa Wingate and Daniel Conley, and has 14 additional members, as well as co-ordinating with representatives from our sibling societies. For more information, read their webpage here.
What’s on: EDI Committee
This year, thanks to all of your feedback from EGU25, we are bring the popular EGU Inclusivity Tree back! Participants are invited to contribute their thoughts, reflections, and hopes around equity, diversity, and inclusion, written on colourful paper garlands provided at the booth. Whether it’s a message of support, a vision for a more inclusive scientific community, or simply a word that makes you feel seen, you’re invited to hang it on the tree and help it bloom throughout the week.
At a time when both EDI efforts and science itself are facing increasing pushback globally, the Inclusivity Tree is more than just a visual display, it’s a living reminder of the collective strength, care, and solidarity within our community. It stands as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and the power of inclusive science to drive meaningful change.
We believe that creating space for all voices – especially those historically excluded – is essential not just for fairness, but for better, richer, and more impactful science. Come share your voice, read what others have shared, and take the opportunity to get to know our EDI volunteers at the booth!
Whether you’re new to EGU or a long-time attendee, the EDI Booth is a space for everyone, with one goal in mind: growing this tree together, one message, one moment, one movement at a time.
Can’t-miss EDI sessions and events at EGU26
🟣 EDI Reception
Monday 04 May, 18:00–19:00 CEST Rooftop Foyer
Join other attendees committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion at this informal networking event. Hosted by the EDI Committee, it’s a great way to connect, share ideas, and unwind after the first day of the conference.
Convener: Lisa Wingate
🟣 Pride & Allies Reception
Wednesday, 06 May, 18:00–19:30 CEST Rooftop Foyer
This informal social event is for LGBTQIA+ attendees and allies to connect, reflect, and celebrate community. Whether you’re looking to meet others, find support, or simply enjoy a friendly space after a day of sessions, this gathering is for you.
Conveners: Anita Di Chiara, Sujith Krishnakumar
🟣 Diverse & Rising Geoscientists Networking Event
Thursday, 01 May | 18:00–19:30 CEST Rooftop Foyer
This new event aims to foster genuine connections across generations, career stages, and underrepresented backgrounds in geoscience. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your journey, come meet others building inclusive pathways in the geosciences.
Conveners: Lisa Wingate
🟣 Celebrating Neurodiversity in Geosciences
Wednesday, 06 May, 18:00–19:30 CEST Rooftop Foyer
This event is dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity within academic and scientific environments. We invite you to join this collaborative space to share experiences, dismantle systemic barriers and stigmas, discuss support systems, and champion a community that values and empowers diverse cognitive approaches to research.
Conveners: Ana Bastos, Lucile Turc, and Simon Clark
🟣 GDB: What’s next for EDI in these turbulent times?
Friday, 08 May, 10:45–12:30 CEST Room E1
In this Great Debate, the discussion will revolve around the criticisms to EDI and the identification of strategies to move forward with a constructive attitude, with the awareness of the benefits EDI has achieved, and a recognition of the values an inclusive science culture brings to science. Invited speakers will include influential members of the geosciences community and beyond.
Convener: Claudia Jesus-Rydin
Co-conveners: Billy Williams, Hori, S. Rie, Lisa Wingate
Details
🟣 EOS: 10th anniversary of the session Promoting and supporting inclusive excellence in the geosciences
Friday, 08 May, 14:00–18:00 CEST Room -2.92
In a moment of general turbulence for EDI actions, come to celebrate with us and to help us to build bridges and long-lasting actions of fairness in the geosciences. The session will focus on both obstacles that contribute to under-representation and on best practices and innovative ideas to remove those obstacles.
Convener: Claudia Jesus-Rydin
Co-conveners: Alberto Montanari, Hori, S. Rie, Billy Williams, Stefanie Kaboth-Bahr
Details
🟣Women in Geoscience: Experiences and Challenges
Wednesday, 06 May, 08:30–10:15 CEST PICO spot 1b
This PICO session aims to highlight and discuss the diverse experiences of women in the geosciences, as well as the challenges and opportunities they encounter throughout their careers. We welcome contributions that share personal perspectives, institutional practices, leadership roles in projects and research addressing gender equity in geoscience.
Convener: Evdokia Tema
Co-conveners: Anita Di Chiara, Romina Valeria AchagaECS, Eleni Vasileiou, Manuela Lasagna
Details
🟣 How to navigate EGU as a neurodivergent participant
Monday, 04 May, 14:00–15:45 CEST Room 0.55
The aim of this short course is to provide neurodivergent participants with ideas and tools to mitigate some of the challenges they can encounter during the EGU GA, through short talks from neurodivergent peers and discussions among and feedback from participants.
Convener: Lucile Turc
Co-conveners: Ana Cristina VásquezECS, Fernanda Matos, Arnaud Beth
Details
🟣 Fostering connection and advocacy: Creating a neurodivergent network at EGU
Friday, 08 May, 14:15–14:25 CEST Room -2.92
This oral presentation is about the current activities of the EGU neurodiversity network, which include in particular the organisation of various events and sessions within EGU related to neurodiversity, its goals, and how you can get involved. Presenters will also share the results of the survey conducted during and around last year’s EGU GA, addressing specific challenges that neurodivergent participants can encounter in international conferences.
Authors: Christopher Skinner, Simon Clark, Ana Bastos, Lucile Turc, Arnaud Beth, and Ana Cristina Vasquez
Abstract link
🟣 Creating safe spaces in academia: recognizing and responding to harassment
Fri, 08 May, 08:30–10:15 CEST Room -2.41/42
Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, this short course equips participants with practical tools to recognize harassment in academic settings, understand their rights, and develop strategies to respond safely and effectively.
Convener: Fernanda DI Alzira Oliveira Matos
Co-conveners: Sara Schlagenhauff and Eduardo Queiroz Alves
Details
🟣The LGBT Pride group at EGU: How to find and build your community
Tuesday, 05 May, 08:30–10:15 CEST Room -2.82
LGBTQIA+ geoscientists navigate unique systemic barriers, from exclusionary field research policies and bureaucratic hurdles to a persistent lack of representation. This short course offers a vital space to address these challenges, exploring practical strategies to dismantle obstacles and foster safer, more equitable environments. Participants will discuss how to build resilient, intersectional communities that empower queer researchers to thrive, collaborate, and lead in the geosciences.
Convener: Sujith Krishnakumar
Co-conveners: Hannah Sophia Davie, Felix S. Fauer, Claudia Pandolfi, Pauline Gayrin
Details
You can view the full list of all EDI related events here.
As always, make sure not to overload yourself and take advantage of the Early Career Scientist’s Life-Work Balance group’s suggestions on how to take time for yourself at the meeting.
