Vienna to host EGU General Assembly 2025, Europe's largest conference in Earth, planetary and space sciences
A landmark event in global science
The EGU General Assembly, which has been held in Vienna since 2005, stands as Europe's largest geoscientific conference, offering a unique interdisciplinary platform that brings together experts from a wide range of fields, including but not limited to geology, atmospheric, planetary, and environmental research.
With over 1,000 scientific sessions, including lectures, short courses and interactive presentations, the 2025 edition at the Austria Center Vienna will explore cutting-edge topics, foster debate, and provide vital networking opportunities across the scientific community. This year’s agenda includes for example Union Symposia and Great Debates on both scientific and general topics of concern to the community, such as gender representation in the geosciences, societal and policy implications of fundamental research, and the future of mining practices and their social consequences.
Dr. Philippe Courtial, EGU Executive Secretary:
"EGU is delighted to return to Vienna for its annual conference, offering participants a great scientific experience with Viennese flair!"
A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
The European Geosciences Union (EGU), representing a global community of more than 22,000 scientists, is committed to fostering an open, safe, accessible, and respectful environment in all its activities. Diversity and inclusion are core values that guide not only the scientific program of the EGU General Assembly but also the organization’s internal processes and governance structures.
As a general principle, EGU strives to ensure diversity among conveners, presenters, session organizers and participants; considering gender, geographic origin, career stage and disciplinary background.
Since several years, EGU has implemented a wide range of on-site measures to improve physical accessibility and support the diverse needs of participants. The initiatives include:
- All-gender toilets: Half of the ACV's restrooms are designated as all-gender facilities to support inclusivity.
Presentation support tools: Both hand-held and hands-free microphones are to be available for speakers. - Accessible venue navigation: Step-free access to all key conference areas is provided. Where step-free access is not built-in, additional staff support and alternative solutions are available.
- Inclusive spaces: Family rooms, quiet rooms and multi-faith prayer spaces are available to provide retreat for participants from the busy conference environment.
- Emergency hygiene products: Menstrual products are available at the Information Desk, Press Centre and throughout the poster halls.
- Support for inclusive presentation styles: Presenters are encouraged to make use of flexible seating and display options and follow EGU’s guidelines and tips for audio and visual accessibility in scientific communication.
- Special lanyard designs to communicate accessibility needs and the option to display one’s pronouns on the name badge.
EGU is also committed to providing a memorable conference experience for delegates bringing their children to Vienna. In partnership with Flying Nanny, a service of the Vienna University Children's Office, EGU provides professional childcare facilities inside the conference center free of charge.
Together, these efforts reflect both EGU's broader commitment to diversity and inclusion and the specific, tangible measures being offered at the 2025 event in Vienna. The Vienna Convention Bureau welcomes and supports these initiatives as a reflection of the city’s long-standing commitment to inclusive hospitality and accessibility.
Sustainability in action
With more than 18,000 participants expected on-site, the EGU General Assembly places strong emphasis on sustainability. "Green EGU" initiatives introduce concrete measures to reduce the environmental impact of the event. Participants are encouraged to travel climate-consciously, with overnight train connections to Vienna from major European cities and a public transport ticket included in the registration fee. EGU further recommends eco-certified hotels and bike rental options to support low-impact mobility throughout the week.
At the Austria Center Vienna, a wide range of measures are in place, from energy-saving systems, and solar collectors to catering based on regional products with vegetarian and vegan options. Reusable poster boards, name badges and lanyards made from recycled materials, and the paper-free program reduce waste and resource use. Attendees are asked to bring their own reusable bottles and cups, helping to avoid single-use plastics.
The human side of science
EGU25 goes beyond academic exchange: it acknowledges the well-being needs of attendees, offering spaces to relax, unwind or practice mindfulness. Whether attending in-person or online, participants are encouraged to pace themselves, find moments of calm, and enjoy the host city’s many amenities and green spaces.
Bringing science to the public: the EGU Public Lecture
As part of its commitment to science communication, the European Geosciences Union (EGU) will once again host its Public Lecture during the General Assembly 2025 in Vienna. First introduced in 2018, this side event is designed to connect geoscientific research with the wider public by presenting relevant and timely topics in the Earth, planetary, and space sciences in an accessible way.
The lecture, held in German, aims to engage the local community and a broader audience, and foster dialogue between scientists and the public at large. Since 2022, the format has been expanded to include virtual participation, allowing broader access beyond the physical audience in Vienna.
This year's lecture, titled "Inspired by Nature - Long-Term Safety: CO₂ and High-Level Radioactive Waste in Deep Geological Repositories", explores how underground storage - from carbon dioxide to radioactive waste - can contribute to climate and energy policy goals while ensuring long-term safety. The lecture takes place at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) on 29 April at 18:00 (CET). You can find more information in German online.
Vienna: a scientific capital and partner for sustainable meetings
The annual return of the EGU General Assembly to Vienna underlines the city's international standing as a leading congress destination and its central location within Europe. Supported by the Vienna Convention Bureau and the Austria Center Vienna, the event benefits from robust infrastructure, excellent accessibility, and Vienna’s ongoing efforts to set benchmarks in sustainable, inclusive and future-oriented event formats.
For updates and program details, visit the EGU General Assembly 2025 website: www.egu25.eu
