The ideal time for submitting funding request is a year before the event, with details of the meeting such as venue, dates and scientific focus. The submission is made to the Secretary General and is evaluated by the Executive Committee. The funding capacity may differ for different years but in general, the maximum amount is about 3000 EUR.
More details can be found here. Please feel free to leave your queries in the comments below and we will answer them.
The International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) will have a joint conference with the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior (IASPEI) this year from 31st August to 5th September in Lisbon, Portugal. It will be preceded by a week long summer school organised by the two associations for early career researchers in their respective fields.
The abstracts submission as well as travel grant applications are closing soon on 12th March 2025 while the early bird registration deadline is 21st May 2025. More details about abstract submission, registration and the conference can be found on the website. The abstract and travel grant notifications will be sent out by 17th April 2025. Abstract title and text are limited to 20 and 250 words respectively.
All information, new and old will be regularly posted on our blog page including many outreach sessions planned. Stay tuned for more info to start preparing for the upcoming conference! You can see the list of blogs related to the assembly by visiting this webpage.
IGRF: A very well known model that is updated every 5 years. The 14th model is now available, the details of which can be found in our previous blog.
INTERMAGNET: All your magnetic ground observatories list and its data can be accessed here. It also offers software tools most often used within the community.
ISGI: Database and updates on the various indices used in geomagnetism. It contains the list of magnetic events that can be extracted from the data available at INTERMAGNET.
PALEOMAGIA: database of Precambrian paleomagnetic data. Its website recently got updated which can be found on clicking the link.
MagIC: Magnetic Information Consortium which is an open digital data archive primarily for rock and paleomagnetic data.
There are several other databases and products, the details of which can be found on the IAGA website or here.
Katia Pinheiro, from IAGA, won the IAGA Grant for her project "A magnetic journey: from core to space" awarded in the year 2023.
The project features experienced scientists addressing the Geomagnetic Grand Spectrum and discussing about the time variations of the geomagnetic field. This was presented as a web series and may interest the general public and students in Earth Sciences. You can watch this first part of the project: the Grand Spectrum web series on our IAGA YouTube channel.
In a second part, we have interviews with Early-Career Scientists (ECS) during the 6th IAGA Summer School in Niemegk about themselves and their science. You can now watch them on our channel with new videos every week. We hope these short movies will encourage young students to start careers in geosciences.
Keep a look out at our social media channel to know when we upload new videos and subscribe to our YouTube for more. And don't forget to share!
As every other year, IAGA will host events that cater to its community of scientists as well as anyone interested in our science.
This year, our main event is the IAGA-IASPEI joint assembly in Lisbon, Portugal from 31 August to 5 September 2025. Preceding the conference, we will also host a summer school for early career researchers from 25-29 August 2025. Our blog page and other social media platforms will keep you up-to-date about news from these events as well as others happening within our remit. Keep a look out!
We look forward to exciting new science and welcoming new researchers to our community this new year!
The Earth’s magnetic field is not static and varies on many different time scales. The main source of the long-term field variation comes from the outer core where the magnetic field is generated by the motion of liquid nickel-iron which in turn ‘drags’ the field lines with it. Thus, the field changes strength and shape slowly over decades. Every five years, IAGA issues an updated version of the magnetic field to capture these slow changes known as secular variation. This series of ‘maps’ or models are known as the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) and goes back 125 years. In November 2024, the 14th generation of the model was released, valid from January 1900 to December 2030.
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| Figure 1: Strength of the magnetic field in microTelsa on the Earth’s surface at 2025.0. Note the low strength region known as the South Atlantic Anomaly. |
The magnetic field is represented by a series of numbers known as Gauss coefficients. Using the mathematical technique of spherical harmonic analysis, the magnetic field can be represented continuously in time and space rather than as a 3D grid of cells. This means we can provide a snapshot of the magnetic field above, at or below the Earth’s surface using a very compact set of just 195 numbers, which gives an approximate resolution of 3000 km. This captures the vast majority of the core field and allows us to calculate of Declination angle, Magnetic Dip and Total Field Intensity (see Figure 1) anywhere in the world. We can also track the location of the magnetic poles (see Figure 2).
The first IGRF for 1965 was issued in 1968 when it was difficult to get timely datasets of magnetic measurements from observatories – the data usually took several years to produce and was distributed by post! When the modern internet era began in the 1990s, data could be circulated more rapidly and the IGRF began to be produced in a more timely fashion. Today, we live in a golden era of magnetic field measurement: from hundreds of high-quality geomagnetic observatories to dedicated magnetic missions such as ESA Swarm and Macau Science Satellite. Together these freely available, near-real-time datasets and cheap powerful computer make core field modelling widely accessible.
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| Figure 2: Estimated location of the geomagnetic and magnetic dip poles from 1900 to 2030. While the north dip pole has accelerated over the past 20 years moving from Canada toward Siberia, the south dip pole has moved much more slowly. |
For the 14th generation, 19 teams of geomagnetic scientists from four continents submitted candidate models for the magnetic field in 2020 and 2025 and a forecast of secular variation between 2025 and 2030. In total, there were 47 candidate models to evaluate. The method for combination was determined by a panel of experts using a variety of different technical analyses. The final models were agreed by majority vote and the new coefficients were issued to the official IAGA website on 20th November 2024.
The IGRF is used for research for deep Earth and space weather forecasting, part of many industry applications for correcting surveys (archaeology, oil/gas, mineral exploration) as well as standard pointing and navigation uses. The IGRF truly is an international effort involving thousands of observers, scientists and engineers from around the world. Without their contributions, this would not be possible. We thank them all for their work.
Authors: Ciaran Beggan is senior researcher at British Geological Survey in Edinburgh. This is his fourth venture with the IGRF, starting as a PhD student back in 2009. Clemens Kloss is a postdoctoral researcher at DTU Space in Copenhagen who specialises in improving our view of the Earth’s core magnetic field minus the annoying effects of the aurora.
The Summer School at the XXth IAGA Workshop in Vassouras offered 42 participants from many different countries a variety of exciting activities. From lectures by renowned experts in the field of geomagnetic observatory management to practical exercises, poster presentations and demonstrations by instrument manufacturers, the programme was educational and varied.
There were also many networking activities, one was an excursion to a Cachasa brewery followed by a get-together with live music and local drinks, where participants were able to socialise with like-minded people and experts. The exchange of ideas and experiences was inspiring and offered participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge and make new connections.
The workshop showed intensified collaboration between the different levels aimed at better understanding and facilitating new scientific approaches to meet the challenges of better understanding in the study of the Earth's magnetic field and near-Earth space.
The scientific program included conferences, thematic sessions, panel discussions and poster presentations. Among the main topics covered were:
- Magnetic observatories and data processing techniques
- Geomagnetic instrumentation
- Geomagnetic field monitoring and modeling
- Effects of space weather on satellites and technological systems
- Interactions between the magnetosphere and the ionosphere
It has established itself as one of the most prestigious global forums for exchanging knowledge and presenting innovative research. In this edition of the IAGA Workshop on Geomagnetic Observatory, the Organizing Committee invited several instrument developers who also took part in the discussions, providing enlightening views on the state of the art in measuring the Earth's field and on the future prospects of these technologies.
Thus, the 2024 meeting was a valuable opportunity for young researchers who were able to present their work and establish connections with the global scientific community on a larger scale. It also brought visibility to the advances made by different institutions in the areas of geomagnetism, geomagnetic data, instrumentation and space weather.
In addition, the presentations highlighted the growing importance of research into solid Earth geomagnetism and aeronomy in these times of great advances in space weather-sensitive technologies, such as GPS navigation systems, satellite communication networks and the effects on electricity transmission networks, among others. With 92 participants from all over the globe, the XXth IAGA Workshop reinforced the increase in international scientific collaboration and consolidated Vassouras as a reference point for global scientific discussions.
After the Vassouras part, the National Observatory hosted a meeting of the INTERMAGNET (International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network) management committee in Rio de Janeiro, an event that usually takes place after the IAGA meetings and brought together leaders in the geomagnetism sector for technical and scientific meetings on November 7 and 8.
The International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) will have a joint conference with the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior (IASPEI) next year from 31st August to 5th September in Lisbon, Portugal. It will be preceded by a week long summer school organised by the two associations for early career researchers in their respective fields.
The call for travel grants is now open until 12th March 2025 and the successful candidates will be notified by 17th April 2025. The registration opens in January 2025 and the candidates provided support should be registered by 8th May 2025. The grant covers the registration fees and/or the living expenses. More details and the form can be found here.
All information, new and old will be regularly posted on our blog page including many outreach sessions planned. Stay tuned for more info to start preparing for the upcoming conference! You can see the list of blogs related to the assembly by visiting this webpage.
Katia Pinheiro, from IAGA, won the IAGA Grant for her project "A magnetic journey: from core to space" awarded in the year 2023.
The project features experienced scientists addressing the Geomagnetic Grand Spectrum and discussing about the time variations of the geomagnetic field. This will be presented as a web series and may interest the general public and students in Earth Sciences.
In a second part of this project, we have interviews with Early-Career Scientists (ECS) during the 6th IAGA Summer School in Niemegk about themselves and their science. We hope these short movies will encourage young students to start careers in geosciences.
You can now watch the first part of this project: the Grand Spectrum web series on the IAGA YouTube channel with videos being uploaded every week. This will be followed by the second part in the new year. Keep a look out at our social media channel to know when we upload new videos and subscribe to our YouTube for more. And don't forget to share!
The International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) will have a joint conference with the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior (IASPEI) next year from 31st August to 5th September in Lisbon, Portugal. It will be preceded by a week long summer school organised by the two associations for early career researchers in their respective fields.
The call for abstracts is now open until 12th March 2025 while the registration opens in January 2025. More details about abstract submission, registration and the conference can be found on the website. The abstract notification will be sent out by 17th April 2025. Abstract title and text are limited to 20 and 250 words respectively.
All information, new and old will be regularly posted on our blog page including many outreach sessions planned. Stay tuned for more info to start preparing for the upcoming conference! You can see the list of blogs related to the assembly by visiting this webpage.
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:
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.
IAGA School takes place again in 2025 in Lisbon!
IAGA Schools have been organised since 2013 to prepare early career researchers in topics across the breadth of IAGA for their future research! The 7th IAGA School will be held from August 25 – 30 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, just before the Joint IAGA-IASPEI Assembly (August 31 – September 5). The aim of the IAGA School is to make knowledge on all scientific topics covered by the IAGA accessible to excellent young scientists.
We want to bring early career scientists together to get to know each other, to study, to laugh, to learn together, but also to put hands-on geomagnetic instruments, computer-aided programs and processes and to network in the future, also with their lecturers; international experts in the fields they teach!IAGA sponsors participants- a number of approximately 20 persons comprising of PhD students or young Post-Docs who are selected from nominations by the IAGA Divisions and Working Groups.
IAGA will cover the accommodation costs and a daily allowance during the summer school but not your travel costs to Lisbon. We assume that you would attend the IAGA conference anyway and that your travel expenses can therefore be covered by your institute.
Are you interested in participating?
Criteria of early career scientists- You must be either:
We will also ensure a balance between for geographical and gender diversity.
How to apply?
Students interested in participating should apply to the Chair of the IAGA Working Group or Division relevant for their topic of work for a nomination. See this webpage for IAGA topics and contact information and to know which Division you belong to. Please visit IAGA School for the application form and further information. Applications should be sent to Division or Working Group Chairs by September 30, 2024.
Looking forward to seeing you in Lisbon!
- Barbara Leichter
Chair of ICEO (Interdivisional Commission on Education and Outreach) responsible for the Organization for the IAGA School
Learn more about IAGA summer schools and the students' experience from our previous blogs here!
We have started a new page on our website called IAGA Bites (naming credit goes to IAGA and ComNet group member Fred!) that will feature short reports/abstracts of new papers that have been published in the IAGA community.
We hope it helps authors increase visibility of their paper as well as serve as a place where everyone knows what new is happening in our science! No more constantly searching for new articles that have come out, this repository will have them all *if* you help us build it.
If you have a paper you'd want to advertise, please reach out to us at iagasocialmedia@gmail.com or here. If you are a co-author on a paper you'd want to share, please reach out to us. If you know someone whose work you'd want to publish here for the community, yes you're right, please reach out to us!
We are looking forward to receiving news about your work from you.
The project involved interviews with Early-Career Scientists (ECS) during the 6th IAGA Summer School in Niemegk and senior scientists discussing the Geomagnetic Grand Spectrum. The interviews with ECS led to fascinating testimonies about their research, career, and expectations. We hope these short movies will encourage young students to start careers in geosciences.
In a parallel project, experienced scientists addressed the Geomagnetic Grand Spectrum, giving exciting talks about the time variations of the geomagnetic field. These movies will be presented as a web series and may interest the general public and students in Earth Sciences.
We invite you to watch all these movies on the IAGA YouTube channel, starting next month. Keep a look out at our social media channel to know when we upload new videos and subscribe to our YouTube for more!
While the call for abstracts will only open in October, the website is up and running here. All information, new and old will be regularly posted on our blog page including many outreach sessions planned. Stay tuned for more info to start preparing for the upcoming conference!
The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) serves as an integrating framework for the different IAG components providing a clearinghouse for geodetic expertise and fostering interdisciplinary research. The Topical Meeting on the Atmosphere hopes to establish a multidisciplinary network of scientists to integrate geodetic and geophysical technologies for comprehensive modelling of the lower, middle and upper atmosphere and to identify existing and potential new related applications that contribute to the dissemination and societal use of research results in this important field.
The meeting will take place in person and registration is free although pre-registration is required. The deadline for travel grants and abstract submissions are July 15th and 31st respectively. More details about the workshop can be found on the website.
Every five years, the international geomagnetic community come together to create a series of maps of the Earth’s main magnetic field. The maps are often referred to as models because they capture only some of the sources that produce the magnetic field at or above the surface. The International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) represents the main or core magnetic field which can be used for navigation by the general public or as a baseline for satellites to refer to. This will be the fourteenth update, hence the model is called IGRF-14.
The maps are updated every five years because the Earth’s main magnetic field changes slowly over time, caused by flow of the liquid iron in the outer core. Measurements of the magnetic field are made at geomagnetic observatories on the ground and by specialist satellites around 500 km above the surface.
The measurements are combined together in a mathematical manner to create two snapshots of the magnetic field five years in the past (2020) and slightly into the future (2025). The community also makes an estimate of how the magnetic field will change between 2025 and 2030. In 2030, we will go back and revise the 2025 map, make a new map for 2030 based on up to date measurements and then forecast to 2035.
A call has just been released to the community for IGRF-14. More information is available at the official IGRF page: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/international-geomagnetic-reference-field.
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| IGRF-13 map of declination angle (in degrees east of west of True North) for 2020.0 |
- Dr. Ciaran Beggan, British Geological Survey (BGS)
