The General Assembly 2024 of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) is the largest and most important European event in geology and related fields. The annual conference, which took place in Vienna from 15-19 of April 2024 in a hybrid format, attracted almost 21,000 scientists from 116 countries, including several PGI-NRI staff members. In total, almost 19,000 papers were submitted, resulting in 1,044 sessions. 

The event also featured exhibitors from around the world related to earth sciences.

The EGU is an interdisciplinary association of scientists working and conducting research in earth and related sciences. The EGU General Assembly is a forum where scientists, especially early career researchers, can present their work and discuss ideas with experts in their specific field. The sessions, organized into thematic groups, were very diverse and covered a wide range of issues.

The conference was an excellent venue for enhancing the knowledge necessary to carry out the tasks of the state geological survey, as well as for establishing scientific contacts. One of the major topics was the publication and sharing of FAIR (Findable Accesible Interoperable Reusable) data, open data and new technologies in scientific research and data processing, such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The EGU conference also featured sessions popularising the Geological Service for Europe (GSEU) European project and research strategies.

Among the noteworthy themes of the conference was also the theme of geoethics in research at every stage, from conception through the research process itself and publication of results. A number of prizes and medals were also awarded to represent outstanding researchers and individuals whose work has contributed to the advancement of knowledge and technology. Among the awardees was Francois Robida (BRGM), one of the co-founders of the OneGeology initiative. The Polish Geological Institute National Research Institute was represented by four persons (Urszula Stepień, Marta Adamuszek, Marek Jarosiński, Mariusz Fiałkiewicz), who gave numerous presentations and posters during the conference.

See more: https://www.egu24.eu/

Text and photos: Urszula Stępień