The European Geosciences Union, representing over 20,000 researchers in the Earth, planetary and space sciences, both in Europe and around the world, today reaffirms the value of having a broad diversity of people involved in the scientific study of our world and universe, to make exciting new discoveries and find answers to our biggest societal challenges. Creating and supporting an inclusive and equitable scientific community is essential to conducting high quality, cutting-edge scientific research; a central part of EGU’s vision.

In order to turn this vision into reality, EGU has developed a number of initiatives to support the wider inclusion of those who have traditionally been under-represented in the geosciences, from fostering a community that welcomes diverse researchers to creating financial support opportunities that attempt to overcome systematic barriers to participation. As a bottom-up organisation, we also welcome new suggestions for ways we can support our community’s participation in science. Any person who needs assistance to participate in EGU activities can take advantage of the following tools, resources and policies:

• The establishment of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, who champion and suggest EDI issues for our volunteer leadership to consider, together with other committees and groups.
• The hybrid General Assembly format championed by the EGU Programme Committee and Council, which not only provides a way for people who cannot participate in the meeting on-site (due to parenting or caring requirements, health, geographical challenges or other restrictions) to still present their science at a world-class conference, or participate in it, but also helps EGU to offer significantly discounted and in some cases free registration options.
• Securing several new infrastructure adjustments in our on-site meeting, including: All Gender bathrooms; flexible presentation set-ups in the rooms, supporting step-free access and hands-free presentations; free menstrual products at identified locations; designated family rooms, quiet rooms and multi-faith prayer rooms throughout the conference center and more.
• Free childcare options and financial support to parents/guardians attending the General Assembly on-site.
• A free mentoring scheme to support first-time attendees of the General Assembly to help them find their feet, whilst also benefitting from networking and advice from their mentor.
• A new EDI Participation Support programme for General Assembly participants, created by the EDI Committee in 2025, that allows participants to apply for additional support funds, ranging from travel and registration funding to home help or technological assistance.
• Establishing and enforcing a clear code of conduct, with help available from nominated Persons of Trust to whom violations or concerns can be reported. We have also set guidelines and standards for inclusive language, individual behaviour and scientific ethics.
• A more than 20 year long commitment to Open Science and Open Access Publishing for all 19 of our scientific journals, allowing anyone regardless of geographic location or financial situation to access the best quality scientific research without facing a paywall.
• Inclusive and transparent article processing charges to publish in our journals, offering discounts for EGU members, as well as publication fee waivers for systemically disadvantaged individuals.
• Together with our publisher Copernicus, we established a policy by which authors can change their names on publications, not only in current and future literature, but also previously published work in any EGU journal. This policy supports the participation of anyone who has changed their name, whether because of marital changes, as part of a gender transition, for cultural reasons or any other reason.
• The creation of dedicated community spaces, such as the EGUpride discord server, for LGBTQIASS+ members to gather and share resources, and sessions at the General Assembly providing networking opportunities for researchers from the Global South, Eastern Europe and more.
• EGU’s recently created award, specifically recognising the efforts of those working to make change, the Champion(s) for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award, open for nominations of individuals or teams of people.
• Training delivered to EGU’s volunteer Council and Executive Editors on managing Unconscious or Inherent Bias when it comes to working in EGU spaces (and beyond).
• Training and support for those who want to learn more about the complexity of intersectional EDI issues that affect many geoscientists. From establishing your own LGBT+ network in geoscience, to annual bystander intervention training, EGU has an ever growing range of pre-recorded and live opportunities to gain skills and learn new ideas.

EGU President Peter van der Beek added his own voice to this affirmation, “EGU has long valued diversity in our scientific community, with many individuals working tirelessly and without recognition to open our hands to those less able to participate due to systemic structures. But increasingly we see that this quiet effort for change is not enough and I am glad to loudly add my voice to that of the EGU community as a whole, celebrating diversity in science, and saying to all who struggle to participate in geoscience: you are welcome here. You belong.”

This list is only a beginning. Building on our previous statement of support for equality, diversity and inclusion, both the volunteer leadership of EGU and our community of researchers want to re-emphasize our celebration of diversity in science as an essential feature, that only by working collaboratively and openly together, can we create a sustainable and just future for humanity and for the planet.

To stay up to date with future ways to access EGU initiatives, as well as ways to suggest new ways EGU can continue to learn and grow, sign up for the EDI mailing list or visit the EGU’s blog GeoLog.

The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is the leading organisation for Earth, planetary and space science research in Europe. With our partner organisations worldwide, we foster fundamental geoscience research, alongside applied research that addresses key societal and environmental challenges. Our vision is to realise a sustainable and just future for humanity and for the planet. We publish a number of diverse scientific journals, which use an innovative open access format, and organise topical meetings, and education and outreach activities.

• EGU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee