What does the EGU offer?
There was a wide variety of formats for communicating the content: Lectures, workshops, poster sessions and PICO presentations as well as panel discussions, award ceremonies and community meetings were organized by the EGU and spread across numerous rooms in the Austria Center Vienna. In the middle of the building there were a number of large companies with stands, which we found rather uninteresting for our areas. Every conceivable field of geosciences was represented, from geophysics, geology, hydrology, oceanography, meteorology and many more. Topics such as science communication, art, activism and games for communicating geosciences were also represented. In keeping with the motto of environmental protection, which was omnipresent, the EGU also offered a purely vegetarian and vegan menu. The organization was impressive. This meant that everyone was well catered for throughout the week in terms of their topics and interests, rather than having the problem of having to choose.
In addition, the conference offered many workstations where you could withdraw relatively undisturbed and also hold a meeting. Children were welcome and this was well received. There were family rooms where you could find toys, a changing table with diapers, a separate breastfeeding corner, sofas and tables for working. Childcare was also offered. As far as we can tell from our perspective, attention was paid to diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Since a few scientists unfortunately had problems getting a visa, there was fortunately the opportunity to participate online and give presentations.
Insights from a conference assistant
Two of our students were able to experience the EGU as conference assistants. They sat at the front of various sessions and took care of the technology and presentations that had been submitted in advance. They got to talk to all the scientists and were able to look at a wide variety of topics. They were also able to indicate their preferences beforehand. One recommendation from our student Philina is to work in the “Lecture Room” and to indicate preferences regarding the rooms in which you would like to work. This way, you always sit in sessions that suit you thematically, even if you don't have the time to look around the conference. Unfortunately, you don't have the time to look around freely at the conference, but you always sit in sessions that appeal to you thematically. As a conference assistant, you also get to meet many other students of the same age from similar subject areas and can exchange ideas.
Impressions and feelings about the conference
The EGU is very overwhelming with its size and diversity. The constant noise level and the many people are not for everyone. There are balconies and the Donaupark directly behind the building to recharge your batteries and soak up the sun, which provides the ideal balance and also a good meeting place for lunch and undisturbed conversation. Unfortunately, we had the impression that we didn't make any more contacts than at other smaller conferences. In some cases, we had a lot of short conversations because everyone had the feeling that there was more to see and no time for that otherwise. This makes it difficult to have a more in-depth exchange that could lead to cooperation. However, the conference is a good place to start if you want to think outside the box and be inspired for new ideas. We also recommend the meetings in the relevant specialist groups to see each other in person, which allows for a different bond and future work.
Tipps around EGU and Vienna
We recommend booking early. Due to the high number of participants, the prices for trains and hotels are very high. The EGU app is highly recommended and it is also worth taking a look at the daily highlights every day to perhaps also take a look at other interesting topics. For these sessions in particular, however, it is advisable to go to the room a quarter of an hour before the start, as otherwise you may not be able to fit into the room.
Vienna is a city of culture with an incredible number of museums and beautiful old buildings. For art lovers, we can highly recommend the Albertiner Museum and an evening visit to the theater at the Vienna Volksoper is a great way to unwind after a long day at the conference. Discounted tickets are available at the box office, which is well worth it. With the train ticket for Vienna included in the conference fee, you can easily reach all the desired locations.
Conclusion
Almost all of us were there for the first time. Tendency of the students who were there as conference assistants: Gladly again! The tendency of the researchers: Once was good, but probably not again. This conference is ideal for thinking outside the box and presenting your research to an international and broad audience. However, we all agree that the sheer volume of the conference does not result in more contacts than at smaller conferences. There are also people who like to go every year because they can see their international colleagues again, for example. Attending once and getting your own impression is definitely worthwhile and if you are still studying, participation as a conference assistant is highly recommended.
