Harmony in the Skies: Bridging Horizons in Earth System Science Symposium takes place on 12 - 13 March 2026 in Leeds, at Fairbairn House - the headquarters of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS). 

Through a series of workshops, short talks, and discussions, this event will provide a forum for sharing ideas, networking and skills development.

Who can attend?

This event is for anyone early in their atmospheric and other Earth system science career - not just researchers.

We let you decide whether you are early in your career or not: you might be a student or PDRA, you might have finished your studies recently or come from another line of work or a different field. Irrespective of your current or previous roles and experiences - if you consider yourself new to the community, this symposium is for you!

The symposium is free to attend, and accommodation will be provided for all delegates if required on Thursday 12 March 2026. All travel costs should be covered by local institution budgets. 

What's coming up in the programme?

The theme for this year's symposium is Progress. 

This includes areas such as scientific progress and progress towards net zero, but also personal and career development, efficient ways of working, among any other developments, advancements and improvements. The event will provide a forum for sharing ideas and best practices through a series of workshops, short talks, and discussions.

Nothing says “Progress” like improving your skills through a series of workshops.

• How to ace a job interview? 

• How to write a grant proposal? 

• What are the key components of effective climate communication? 

This year we want to ensure that you are well prepared to tackle anything professional life throws at you - we know what matters to someone early in their career and want to help. Other workshops will cover important topics such as making your work impactful, networking, using Generative AI to build toolkits for students and researchers, how to use an airborne laboratory, and mental health in research & academia.

We welcome your contributions.

All symposium attendees are offered the opportunity to contribute to the programme of events either through a short talk, with a poster, or by presenting at our showcase. Abstracts are encouraged on any theme linked to their work - research, practical implementations of tools, or case studies. 

We might be able to print a limited number of posters (subject to availability). There will a chance to indicate that you require poster printing during the registration process. If it is required, the member of the committee will be in touch to discuss details and confirm whether this service can be provided.

If you require guidance on presentation format or NCAS branding, please refer to the NCAS brand guidelines. 

What are the aims of the event?

• Develop skills through practical workshops and sessions

• Provide opportunities for people to meet career peers and develop a network

• Bring together people who are establishing themselves in the Earth system science community

• Share best practices for research integrity within and beyond NCAS

• Showcase the strengths of a cross-institution research centre 

• Show people what is coming up next at NCAS - such as next major projects and upcoming training courses

• Highlight the impacts people can have within and beyond NCAS