European Geosciences Union

European Geosciences Union is a non-profit scientific organization that aims to promote geoscience research and collaboration across Europe. The union was established in 2002, following the merger of the European Geophysical Society and the European Union of Geosciences. It has strong ties with other prominent scientific organizations, such as the American Geophysical Union, International Union of Geological Sciences, and the European Space Agency. The European Geosciences Union is also a member of the International Council for Science and works closely with the European Commission.

● History

The European Geosciences Union has its roots in the European Geophysical Society, which was founded in 1991 by Helmuth Moritz and other prominent geoscientists. The society aimed to promote geophysics research and education across Europe, with a focus on seismology, geomagnetism, and oceanography. In 2002, the society merged with the European Union of Geosciences to form the European Geosciences Union, with the goal of expanding its scope to include all areas of geoscience, from atmospheric science to hydrology. The union has since grown to become one of the largest and most influential geoscientific organizations in Europe, with members from over 100 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The union has also established partnerships with other organizations, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

● Organization

The European Geosciences Union is governed by a Council, which is composed of representatives from various European countries, including Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland. The council is responsible for setting the union's strategic direction and overseeing its activities, which include organizing conferences and workshops, publishing scientific journals, and providing funding for research projects. The union is also divided into several divisions, each focusing on a specific area of geoscience, such as seismology, volcanology, and planetary science. These divisions are led by prominent scientists, including Claude Jaupart and François Schmitt, and work closely with other organizations, such as the International Seismological Centre and the Smithsonian Institution. The union's headquarters are located in Munich, Germany, and it has a strong presence in other European cities, including Paris, London, and Rome.

● Publications

The European Geosciences Union publishes several scientific journals, including Annales Geophysicae, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, and Hydrology and Earth System Sciences. These journals are peer-reviewed and cover a wide range of topics, from climate change to geodynamics. The union also publishes conference proceedings and special publications, such as the EGU Newsletter and the EGU Today blog. The union's publications are widely read and cited, and are considered to be among the most prestigious in the field of geoscience. The union has also partnered with other publishers, such as Springer Nature and Wiley-Blackwell, to produce high-quality scientific books and journals. The union's publications are available online through the EGU website and are also distributed through other channels, such as the NASA Astrophysics Data System.

● Meetings

The European Geosciences Union organizes an annual General Assembly, which is one of the largest and most prominent geoscience conferences in Europe. The assembly brings together thousands of scientists from around the world, including United States, China, and Japan, to present their research and discuss the latest developments in geoscience. The union also organizes smaller conferences and workshops throughout the year, focusing on specific topics such as natural hazards, climate change, and geoenergy. These events provide opportunities for scientists to network and collaborate, and are often held in partnership with other organizations, such as the American Geophysical Union and the International Union of Geological Sciences. The union's meetings are well-attended and highly regarded, and have been hosted in various European cities, including Vienna, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

● Awards

The European Geosciences Union presents several awards to recognize outstanding contributions to geoscience research and education. These awards include the Arthur Holmes Medal, the Jean Dominique Cassini Medal, and the Hannes Alfvén Medal, which are named after prominent scientists such as Arthur Holmes and Hannes Alfvén. The union also presents division awards and outstanding young scientist awards to recognize the achievements of early-career researchers. The awards are presented annually at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly, and are considered to be among the most prestigious in the field of geoscience. The union's awards have been presented to scientists from around the world, including France, Germany, and the United States, and have been recognized by other organizations, such as the Royal Society and the National Academy of Sciences.

● Membership

The European Geosciences Union has over 12,500 members from more than 100 countries, including Australia, Canada, and India. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in geoscience, from students to senior researchers. The union offers various membership categories, including full membership, student membership, and emeritus membership, and provides benefits such as access to scientific journals, conference discounts, and networking opportunities. The union also has a strong presence in social media, with accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and provides regular updates on its activities and news from the world of geoscience. The union's members are active in various fields, including research, education, and policy, and work with other organizations, such as the European Commission and the United Nations, to promote geoscience and its applications.