Volcanoes and Science Communication Summer School , June 8-12, 2026.
Venue: University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
TARGET: The Volcanoes and Science Communication (VOLCOM) Summer School is primarily intended for PhD students and post-doctoral candidates studying active volcanoes. Participants from AURORA Universities have priority (see list here: https://aurora-universities.eu/members/), but the school is open to a limited number of international participants. Participants will be selected based on the relevance of the course for their current research activities, as well as their affiliation.
AIM: The school aims to provide an opportunity for volcanologists to advance their skills in science communication in preparation for future positions at observatories or within academia. Science communication is becoming increasingly important in times of constant exposure to various media channels, also as a mean to prevent severe impact of local communities, founded in misconceptions or poor science communication. We will bring together leading experts in volcano research and monitoring with science communication experts. We stress that the aim is to develop focused, effective science communication skills in times of crisis as a discipline required to effectively utilize and transfer the scientific knowledge of experts to decision makers and the general public for the greater good of the affected community.
SET UP: The school will be comprised of 4 components:
A: Lectures and workshops targeting science communication in times of crisis, with emphasis on communication of uncertainties. A range of monitoring techniques in active volcanic settings will be covered, as well as accessing volcanic hazards and risk mapping. The students will be equipped with a broad background for an integrated data interpretation and a mindset of how to communicate scenarios to stakeholders.
B: Case stories on past volcanic unrest or eruptions, where science communication has played a major role.
C: Group work, with science communication tasks, applied to geological case studies
D: Field trips to locations, where volcanic events in recent years have greatly affected the local population (1973 Heimaey, 2010 Eyjafjallajökull, 2023-2024 Grindavík/Svartsengi)
Confirmed lecturers:
- Geertje Tijsma, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Lucia Pappalardo, INGV-OV, Naples, Italy
- Paola Petrosino, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
- Rosa Di Maio, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
- Rikke Pedersen, NordVulk, University of Iceland, Iceland
With more lecturers to be announced later
Organizing committee:
- Geertje Tijsma, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Rikke Pedersen, NordVulk, University of Iceland, Iceland
- Paola Petrosino, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
PLEASE APPLY by sending an email with the topic VOLCOM attaching a one page justification for your participance to rikke@hi.is.
Deadline: March 22nd, 2026. Applicants will be notified by April 6th, 2026.
Registration cost for participants: 250 Euros
- includes lunch, accommodation in shared twin rooms on campus and participation in all fieldtrips.
IMPORTANT: Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Iceland