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From May 4th to 8th, I attended the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly for the first time in Vienna. This conference was the largest I've ever been to—approximately 20,000 participants on-site and another 2,000 joining online. Held at the Austria Center Vienna near the Danube River, the venue was impressive, and the programme was equally outstanding.

What struck me most was the incredible diversity of topics covered. Beyond the expected geoscience sessions, there were fascinating discussions on:

•     Science communication projects, including a talk about science communication in prisons
•     Science and policy, e.g. exploring what role scientists should play in these challenging times
•     Games and science, demonstrating innovative ways to engage audiences

I got the opportunity to present my research in the Modeling Agricultural Systems Under Global Change session. My PICO presentation focused on "Tracing agricultural nitrogen policy impacts on groundwater quality through an integrated modeling approach."

The PICO format was particularly engaging. Unlike traditional talks or posters, it combines an initial pitch with interactive discussion at a touch screen. This format offers substantial time for in-depth conversations with attendees and allows presenters to include extensive backup materials. It's a format I'd highly recommend to fellow researchers.

One of the highlights was our session dinner at what is reportedly Europe's largest organic restaurant, located right in Vienna's Prater park. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues in a more relaxed setting.

Overall, my first EGU experience was truly enlightening. The combination of cutting-edge research, diverse perspectives, and community engagement made it an unforgettable week.