MARUM Research Academy
Report of Lennart Stock
Online participation in AGU24 "What's Next for Science" in Washington, D.C., USA from 9 to 13 December 2024
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting is one of the largest international conferences in the Earth and space sciences, bringing together researchers from diverse fields to share their latest findings. Due to time constraints and environmental considerations, I chose to participate online rather than attending in person. Having already flown to conferences earlier this year, I wanted to minimize my carbon footprint, aligning with my commitment to sustainable scientific practices.
My contribution to AGU24 was an online poster presentation titled "Possible roles of small organic molecular compounds (disaccharides) in characterizing the interactions of AOM consortia and other microbes in their environment." Additionally, I watched several online sessions, including OS42A: Methane Cold Seeps: Processes, Dynamics, and Impacts, which was particularly relevant to my PhD work. In this field, established and known and new scientists contributed to this session, offering valuable insights into methane seep processes broadening my perspective. Another session I followed, OS12A: Biogeochemical Processes in the Coastal Ocean, expanded my general knowledge in marine biogeochemistry, even though it was less directly linked to my research.
I also participated in the Outstanding Student Presentation Awards (OSPA) program, where I reviewed three online posters. This experience allowed me to engage critically with diverse research and inspired me to explore other posters with heightened interest. Reviewing these posters broadened my understanding of the field and enriched my overall conference experience.
Lennart in front of his iPoster
Participating online had its advantages and challenges. It was beneficial to access the conference without requiring transatlantic travel, making the event more accessible and environmentally friendly. However, the delayed availability of recorded sessions by 72 hours created some inconvenience, as it extended the conference timeline for virtual attendees. On-demand access to the content afterward was still a helpful feature, allowing flexibility in viewing sessions which was especially handy due to the time difference to Washington, D.C. Despite these positives, my poster presentation did not receive much attention; the chat and video discussion options I offered were hardly visited, which limited interactions and feedback.
I would like to thank GLOMAR for fully funding my online participation in AGU24. This opportunity enabled me to share my research, gain new perspectives, and also connect to a certain degree with the broader scientific community, all while adhering to my personal and professional values.