The IUGG Assembly that took place at Berlin from 11th to 20th July 2023 was preceded by the IAGA Summer School in Niemegk from 7th to 11th July. The school was organised by IAGA's ICEO - International Commission on Education and Outreach.
The participants were Early Career Researchers who got together at the magnetic observatory of Niemegk, Germany for theoretical and practical training in magnetism. There were 6 courses on various aspects of the magnetic field such as core and crustal fields, electromagnetic induction, and numerical as well as observational modelling among others. The 25 participants hailed from 15 different countries spread over the globe. Some testimonies of their experience are below-
Manu Varghese: IAGA summer school 2023 was my first in-person summer school, and the experience was really amazing! I met fellow students and researchers from different parts of the world. We discussed our research areas and I feel like such interactions open the way for future collaborative research and friendships. I also found lectures other than my focus area understandable since the professors started from first principles and their approach was well rooted in fundamental principles. Niemegk observatory, Germany is a place of long tradition in measuring the geomagnetic field and the observatory itself possesses a valuable set of archives. The visit to the observatory enlightened the path forward for my research.
Frederik Madsen: It was such a great experience, both to get a better understanding of the different aspects of the geomagnetic field, as well as being in the place where data is recorded, but also to make friends from all over the world - friends who may very well be my future colleagues. We all study different parts of the geomagnetic field, so in a sense, we’re all becoming experts in each other’s noise. It was really valuable to get such deep insight from people who are really passionate about the different features of geomagnetism. I'm very grateful for having had this experience - the 198 mosquito bites was definitely worth meeting such wonderful people!
Miroslav Hanzelka: The IAGA summer school was a great opportunity to meet with young scientists working on topics across the whole range of IAGA disciplines, something I don't usually experience during narrowly focused conference sessions. As someone who recently finished their Ph.D., hearing from the other students and post-docs about how Ph.D. research works in different countries helped me broaden my horizons. The hosts at the Niemegk observatory gave us a tour around the facilities, letting us see the history and present of geomagnetic field measurements in Germany. Many of the school organizers and lecturers were available even outside of the scheduled program, happy to discuss their work and give research tips to the students. The overall atmosphere at the IAGA school was very friendly and laid-back, thanks to both the organizers and the relaxed ambience of German villages. Would attend again :)
Nitin Kadam: My IAGA summer school experience was very transformative and enlightening. I gained valuable insights and connected with like-minded peers. The brainstorming lectures and hands-on activities (more specifically during the paleomagnetic sessions) provided a deeper understanding of the topics. The experience has undoubtedly enriched my academic journey and broadened my perspective.
