The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is inviting applications to for a grant of up to €10,000 to host the fourth EGU Geoscience Day. These flagship public events run on one day each year in a rotating European country. The aim is to raise awareness of the Earth, planetary and space sciences to school students, the wider public, policymakers and journalists. The grant is available for a team to bring to fruition one or several large public events this year on the same day in a single European country.

Last year’s Geoscience Day was hosted in Greece, on the volcanic islands of Santorini and Nisyros. Event co-ordinator and succesful applicant for last year’s Geoscience Day funding, Evi Nomikou, Associate Professor at the Deptartment of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, said “The EGU Geoscience Day serves the vital purpose of fostering awareness in Earth, planetary and space sciences among school students, the broader public, policy makers and journalists.” The event has been described by the Nisyros Geopark in a public post as “a great success” and Evi went on to explain a little more about the event itself. Read the full report on our blog.

“EGU Geoscience Day 2023 took place on October 20th, 2023 simultaneously on two volcanic islands of immense scientific as well as historic significance in Greece, Santorini and Nisyros. Over 200 students from the Vocational High School and High School of Thira in Santorini and 60 students from the Primary School of Mandraki in Nisyros were immersed in educational activities designed to help them unravel the geological history of the two most active volcanic complexes in Greece, while also being informed about potential volcanic geohazards and the significance of volcano monitoring.

To further enhance the learning experience, virtual guides such as the Santorini and Nisyros Volcano apps were introduced, offering simplified scientific material, including 2D and 3D maps, 360° panoramas, and drone footage showcasing the geodiversity of the area. As a geoscientist participating in the event, it was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students as they delved into the captivating world of geoscience.”

Applications are now open for the 2024 Geoscience Day grant. EGU particularly encourages applications from EU enlargement (candidates for joining the EU) and EU-13 (those which joined in 2004 and later) countries. If several events are proposed, they should ideally be held in several different locations across the country but on the same day. There are no restrictions on the format of the Geoscience Day or the proposed activities.

Successful proposals should aim to include at least two of the following audiences: school children from under-represented demographics within geosciences; “inactive” public audiences who don’t typically seek out science events are encouraged; national science policymakers, journalists, or non-governmental organisations.

Applications should aim to include at least one of the following:

• Two-way dialogues between geoscientists and communities
• Co-created, where communities and stakeholders contribute to their design
• Audience-centred, built around considering the audience’s experience first and foremost
• Innovative, addressing barriers and issues in society through new and transdisciplinary methods (especially from outside of the geosciences)

Applications for the EGU Geoscience Day 2024 will be open until the end of Wednesday, 15 May 2024. All applications should be submitted in English, but the event(s) should be in the most suitable language for the target audience(s). All proposals will be evaluated by the end of April, with the winners being announced shortly afterwards. The Geoscience Day event(s) must then be completed before the end of 2024. For more information, visit the EGU Geoscience Day page.

Please note that only active EGU members, who either have a regular, student, emeritus or complementary membership for 2024, or who are life or honorary members of the EGU, are eligible to lead applications. However, EGU encourages proposal teams to be diverse, including non-scientists, and team members (outside of the lead) do not have to be EGU members. Additionally, please bear in mind that members of the EGU Outreach Committee (presently or applying in the future) are not eligible to apply.

To apply for a grant, please use the application form in your EGU member user area.

The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is Europe’s premier geosciences union, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the Earth, planetary, and space sciences for the benefit of humanity, worldwide. It is a non-profit interdisciplinary learned association of scientists founded in 2002 with headquarters in Munich, Germany. The EGU publishes a number of diverse scientific journals, which use an innovative open access format, and organises a number of topical meetings, and education and outreach activities. Its annual General Assembly is the largest and most prominent European geosciences event, attracting over 18,000 scientists from all over the world. The meeting’s sessions cover a wide range of topics, including volcanology, planetary exploration, the Earth’s internal structure and atmosphere, climate, energy, and resources.