What inspires you to be a scientist? For me, the motivation comes from a strong desire to make the world a better place, to use our skills and knowledge as scientists to help society and shape the future. Increasing our collaboration and involvement is an excellent way to expand our influence, but for early career scientists (ECS) like me, it can be a challenging task. EGU has an incredible opport ...[Read More]
GeoPolicy: Science in policymaking: Who is responsible?
Should scientists actively approach policymakers in order to guide their decision-making processes, or is it the policymakers’ responsibility to seek scientific advice? In the first of the Great Debates at this year’s European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna a mixed panel of policymakers and geoscientists tried to answer who should be responsible for making sure that science was used ...[Read More]
2019 General Assembly documented through art!
As a repeat from last year, the General Assembly will be documented by EGU’s very own artists in residence! Morgane Merlin, an environmental science PhD student and visual artist based in Alberta, Canada, and Giorgo Skretis, a visual artist and musician based in Chania, Greece, will be producing illustrations and sculptures throughout the week to share their conference experiences and communicate ...[Read More]
Imaggeo Photo Competition finalists 2019 – who will you vote for?
This year’s Photo Competition judging panel received more than 600 photo submissions, covering fields across the geosciences. The fantastic finalist photos are below and they are being exhibited in Hall X2 (basement, Brown Level) of the Austria Center Vienna – see for yourself! Do you have a favourite? Vote for it! There is a voting terminal (also in Hall X2), just next to the exhibit. Votin ...[Read More]
Public engagement events at the EGU General Assembly
Thousands of scientists gather in Vienna every year to network and to present and discuss their research at the Austria Center Vienna (ACV). Aside from a packed and diverse programme for scientists at the meeting, the EGU also organises events aimed at the local Viennese public, as well as a few public engagement events and sessions for scientists at the ACV. Night at the museum: EGU Public Lectur ...[Read More]
Geosciences Column: Flooded by jargon
When hydrologists and people of the general public use simple water-related words, are they actually saying the same thing? While many don’t consider words like flood, river and groundwater to be very technical terms, also known as jargon, water scientists and the general public can actually have pretty different definitions. This is what a team of researchers have discovered in recent study, and ...[Read More]
Arts and Society at the General Assembly 2019
As well as a stimulating scientific programme, the upcoming EGU General Assembly will also feature several sessions and events that connect science, art and the public, as well as address how the geoscience community can help address major societal challenges. Read on for a sample of what to expect at this year’s EGU meeting, and of course, stay tuned to our social media channels and follow the of ...[Read More]
Short courses at EGU 2019
At this year’s General Assembly there are loads of short courses to choose from for broadening your expertise. You can supercharge your scientific skills, broaden your base in science communication and pick up tips on how to boost your career – be it in academia or outside. There is also a course aimed at making your time at the conference easier – be sure to take part, especially if it is your fi ...[Read More]
GeoPolicy: The importance of communicating your research with the public
Science and innovation are a central priority for the European Union with the current research framework, Horizon 2020, allocating almost €80 billion to research and innovation over seven years, until 2021. It appears that policymakers are currently happy with this investment as they are looking to increase research and innovation spending to at least €100 billion in the next research funding fram ...[Read More]
GeoPolicy: getting ready for the European Parliament Election
The European Parliament currently has 751 members who belong to one of the eight political groups, at least one of the 20 different committees and represent approximately 500 million people from the 28 EU Member States. The EU Parliament plays an extremely important role in the EU. It oversees the EU budget, launches investigations into specific issues and shares legislative powers with the Counci ...[Read More]