EGU25

Dong Jian

University of East Anglia

Attending the EGU General Assembly was a true feast of science—enriching, entertaining, exciting, and deeply motivating. It was more than just a conference; it was a convergence of knowledge, creativity, and community in geosciences.

the Orals
As an audience in the oral sessions, I found myself constantly amazed by the diverse voices, scientific pitches, and perspectives presented. The talks spanned a vast range—from the icy Arctic to the stormy Southern Ocean, from theoretical frameworks to cutting-edge observations, and from the swirling dynamics of a single ocean eddy to the complexities of our climate system. Each presentation offered a unique lens into the stories and discoveries that define our oceans. It was a reminder of how interconnected and dynamic Earth science truly is, and how each piece of research contributes to a broader understanding of our planet.

the Posters
Presenting my own poster was a valuable learning experience. One key insight I gained is the importance of being genuine and authentic as a researcher. I initially felt hesitant to highlight the unresolved issues or limitations in my work, but I soon realized that such transparency fosters productive discussions. Rather than judgment, I received encouragement, insightful feedback, and even offers of collaboration. This reaffirmed my belief that science thrives on openness and community, and that the poster hall is not just a place to showcase results, but a space to grow ideas and relationships.

the Awards
Among the many inspiring events, the Medal and Award Lectures stood out, especially the OS Division Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award Lecture by Jens Terhaar. His talk left a profound impression on me—not only for the innovative science he presented, which challenged conventional views using novel methods, but also for his courage in sharing his personal journey. Jens spoke openly about the struggles he faced during his PhD, including mental health challenges and navigating the pressures of academia. His honesty was both rare and powerful. It reminded me that behind every scientific achievement is a human story. His words inspired me to persevere, to speak up about challenges, and to remain kind and compassionate in the academic world.

I felt so great to mingle with the wider ocean science community instead of digging my rabbit hole. I am more energized and motivated after coming back. I truly thank my supportive supervision team, the School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, and the Challenger Society for Marine Science.


Profile:
Dong is a second-year PhD student at the University of East Anglia, supervised by Dr. Xiaoming Zhai, Prof. Ian Renfrew, and Prof. David Stevens. His research combines numerical modeling (MITgcm) and observational data to investigate air-sea interactions, large-scale ocean currents, mesoscale eddies, and sea ice dynamics in the Nordic Seas. These seas, a crucial gateway between the Atlantic and the Arctic, play a fundamental role in regulating regional and global ocean circulation and climate.