The building blocks of geoscience... beyond academia

How can specialists in the chemistry and physics fields of geoscience apply their skills in the wider world?

For researchers working in the fundamental geoscience fields of geochemistry, geophysics, mineralogy and petrology they may sometimes wonder if a career outside those fields is possible. This month we learned that if you wish to try a new career direction these fields of study actually prepare you really well, from applying geochemistry discoveries to innovation and entrepreneurship to EGU's IT Manager Robert Barsch sharing his career path and tips there are many ways to apply these skills. If you are looking to make a personal change either in work, or in your life this year, EGU's Simon Clark has some suggestions on how you can get started, to make sustainable and lasting changes.

Speaking with outgoing ERE Division President and member of the EGU Biodiversity Task Force Viktor Bruckman, he also highlighted the way that thinking interdisciplinarily about your research is critical to solving the big issues we face as a society. "To address today’s complex challenges—such as climate change, sustainable energy supply, and raw material shortages, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation, collaboration among different disciplines and non-academic stakeholders is absolutely necessary."

The EGU Photo Competition is once again open for submissions; enter by 31 March and you could win free registration to EGU26, and the admiration of your peers! If you are looking for financial assistance to attend EGU25 due to care-giving responsibilities, disability, career status or another barrier, don't forget to apply for the new EDI participation support by 23 February. If you have questions about visa requirements, Asmae Ourkiya wrote a Geolog blog post to help. Lastly, the Early Career Scientists (ECS) are looking for your help to make ECS activities better for you, with the 2025 ECS survey!

Your guide to EGU’s 2025 science for policy activities

This month's GeoPolicy blog post kicks off the New Year by outlining some key science for policy activities that you can look forward to and engage with in the next 12 months!

You can read the full blog post to learn more about the EGU Science for Policy Award, the new Climate Hazard and Risks Task Force, planned policy activities at #EGU25, and more here.

EGU Science for Policy Hangout

Each month, the EGU hosts a Science for Policy Hangout that enables participants to virtually network with those working at the science-policy interface and join discussions about how researchers can effectively engage with policymaking!

February's Hangout discussion will be led by by Noélie Auvergne, Policy analyst in the Scientific Impact and Feedback to Policy team, European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA)! Register now to join us at 14:00 CET on 3 February!

"The present study demonstrates that melt inclusions (∼ 1 µm) serve as indicators of heat treatment in sapphires and highlights the critical role of luminescence in distinguishing unheated from heated geuda sapphire."

Pluthametwisute et al (2025) Solid Earth

Mixed media sculptor and illustrator chosen as EGU25 artists in residence

Liliane Burkhard, a sculptural mixed media artist, and Annabelle Foster, an illustrator, have been selected for a residency at the EGU25 General Assembly.

EGU webinar: How to simulate the field, combining field studies & modelling in soil sciences

Want to know how to help field researchers and modellers in the soil sciences connect their work and expand their thinking? Learn how on our YouTube channel!

EGU Science for Policy Hangout

Come virtually network with those working at the science-policy interface! Register for our next #Sci4Pol Hangout at 14:00 CET on Monday 3 February.

EGUwebinar: Uneven Ground- Addressing Vulnerabilities in Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an area of work, both in academia and beyond that experiences a wide range of specific and unique challenges for vulnerable people Join this EGUwebinar at 15:00CET, Tuesday 11 February to learn about on actionable strategies to create safer, more inclusive, and supportive field environments. Register here today.

Funding available for training schools and conferences support!

Applications are now open for EGU members to request funding to run a training school, Galileo conference or conference series event to be held in 2026. Various funds for support and access to the events are available, apply by 16 May 2025.

Abstracts in Action: Skills You Hone While Preparing for EGU 2025

Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology and Volcanology Division blog

Space debris: Borrowing the planet from our children- Why we need to mitigate space desecration

Geolog, the Union’s official blog

TS Must Read – 3D seismic analysis of the structure and evolution of a salt-influenced normal fault zone: a test of competing fault growth models, Jackson & Rotevatn (2013)

Tectonic and Structural Geology Division blog

A 12-meter sediment core reveals secrets of the Arctic’s past climate

Geolog, the Union’s official blog