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
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