MINGZ Funded Conference Participation: Mónica Alejandra in Vienna

16. Dezember 2025

Foto: UHH/Gómez-Correa

The MIN Graduate Center supports doctoral researchers by travel grants for conferences and research stays. The experiences on these trips are diverse and very interesting. Here is a report by Mónica Alejandra Gómez Correa who participated in the EGU General Assembly 2025 in Vienna:

The EGU General Assembly 2025, held in Vienna from 27 April to 2 May, provided a fantastic opportunity to explore, discover, and connect. The event provided a great glimpse into the European geosciences’ community, bringing together researchers, professionals, and students from across Europe and beyond. The program included discussions on topics such as climate change, paleoclimate, geochemistry, stratigraphy, hydrology, risk management, and geoscience communication and education, highlighting just how vibrant and dynamic our field truly is.

One of the things I appreciated most about the conference was meeting people in person. Talking face-to-face made a big difference; it allowed me to reconnect with colleagues and meet new ones. These interactions help build genuine relationships, whether it’s finding potential collaborators or mentors. Throughout the week, the schedule was packed, from morning sessions to evening social events, including the icebreaker and networking events, which created a welcoming atmosphere. Beyond sharing research, the conference served as a social hub where community resilience and strength were celebrated. A highlight of the week was hosting the GeoLatinas Splinter Meeting, where I was able to reconnect with community members after years of virtual interactions. Presenting my research on thermal stress during the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, based on ostracods from the Southern Alps, was both exciting and rewarding. The positive feedback I received has given me fresh motivation for my next steps. Additionally, taking part as a panellist in the Great Debate on science communication was a fantastic experience. It sparked lively discussions on how we can share our work beyond academia, and sharing the stage with experienced colleagues was truly inspiring.

Overall, EGU GA 2025 was an incredible opportunity to connect with people, advance research, and spark new ideas. It was a memorable experience filled with learning, sharing, and inspiring moments, leaving me energised and looking forward to next year´s meeting.