STFC Introductory Course

The STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council) Introductory Course in Solar and Solar-Terrestrial Physics was held at the University of Sheffield, UK from September 2nd to 6th, 2023. This annual course, organised by the UK Solar Physics and MIST (Magnetospheric, Ionospheric, and Solar-Terrestrial) Councils, and approved by the Heads of UK Solar Groups and MIST since 2015, continues to play a crucial role in training early career UK solar system physicists. While most of this year’s participants were from the UK, we were pleased to welcome students from Hungary, Germany, France, India, China, and South Korea, adding a truly international dimension to the event.

This summer school is specifically designed for PhD students who are new to the field, with the aim of helping them upgrade, consolidate, and broaden their knowledge. The program covered a wide range of essential topics in Sun-Earth connections. After each lecture, there was a longer break with coffee and biscuits, providing students an opportunity to engage with the lecturers in a more informal and relaxed environment. Alongside these subject-specific lectures, students also benefited from sessions focusing on career development and public engagement.

A highlight of the course was the careers panel, featuring professionals from diverse backgrounds and at various stages of their careers. The panel included individuals who followed a straight academic path from their Master’s degrees to becoming professors, as well as those who took time away from academia before returning to pursue a PhD and continuing in research. Each panel member shared their unique career journey, offering students different perspectives on navigating both academic and non-academic careers. After sharing their stories, the panel opened the floor for questions, leading to a lively and insightful discussion. Students asked the panelists what they might have done differently, and what advice they would offer to those just starting out. The candid responses provided practical guidance and encouragement, helping students think more clearly about their own career paths and future challenges.

The public engagement talk was equally inspiring, as the speaker shared her extensive experience in conducting outreach activities across the globe. Her insights showed the importance of public engagement and demonstrated how impactful outreach can be for both scientists and the broader community.

- Marianna B. Korsos, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, University of Sheffield

Project #askIAGA

With this project, we would like to enhance public understanding of the science covered by IAGA and to engage with the community. Social media channels provide an ideal platform for interacting with teenagers and adults worldwide. The project #askIAGA will not only distribute content tailored for the general public but also create a two-way communication channel that will allow better connections between scientists and community. The use of simple language and graphics will help convey key scientific concepts more clearly to the public.

IAGA consists of six divisions, covering topics from the Earth’s core, mantle and crust to the atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere, and solar wind. We plan to produce six posts tackling selected questions representative of each division. The posts can be in the form of graphical material, panels, comic strips and mini animations. They will be released through IAGA’s outreach channels. Additionally, the posts will call for the public to submit further questions using the #askIAGA. The most interesting and intriguing questions suggested by the public will be transformed into subsequent posts. This will foster interaction between the public and IAGA, engaging citizens and allowing them to contribute to scientific questions that deserve answers or might inspire new research topics.

IAGA Outreach awardee for 2024 comprising of the team:

Sanja Panovska, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences Potsdam.

Sabrina Sanchez, freelance illustrator residing in France with previous experience in research.

IUGG Support: Call for Proposals

The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), of which the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) is a member, is offering sponsorship for symposia to be organised in 2025. One of the main aims of IUGG is to promote geophysics through international collaborations and an important role is played by scientific meetings in achieving this.

IUGG funds can be used to provide support to students and early career researchers as well as increase representation in meetings from underdeveloped countries. About 10-15 meetings (up to USD 10,000 each) can be supported through this call for symposia proposals.

The meeting organisers should contact their respective Secretary Generals (for IAGA, visit this page to know the Executive body members) before mid October. The Secretary Generals of each association would then submit their recommendations to the IUGG Secretary General by 31 October 2024. The IUGG bureau will make the final selections by December. 

Don't hesitate to get in contact with the IAGA Executive Committee to know more about the call and visit this webpage for more information.