[ October 13, 2020 ] Format of the Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2021

In the light of our experiences of the JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2020: Virtual and the most recent assessments of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are now considering a hybrid format for the next Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU) meeting in 2021, with most of the meeting held online, but with a significant set of related onsite activities held at the Pacifico Yokohama venue.

We are considering a system where all oral and poster presentations will be available online, but with additional provisions to present posters onsite, both as complete sessions and individual presentations. In addition, we are considering the possibility of broadcasting a limited number of lecture events from the site on a trial basis.

We are also considering the possibility of expanding the current schedule, from Sunday, May 30 to Thursday, June 3, to separate the days for online presentations and those for onsite poster presentations.

After close consultation with the Pacifico Yokohama venue, we have concluded that if appropriate measures are taken as proposed by the venue and us, then onsite poster presentations could be held even if there is no improvement in the Covid-19 situation. However, despite these considerations there remains the possibility that the meeting will be held fully online. The final decision will be strongly influenced by developments in the Covid-19 pandemic and the expected number of onsite attendees, because holding the conference onsite would entail a significant increase in costs including the hiring of the venue.

The current situation is still fluid and we apologize for any inconvenience that this uncertainty may cause you. We will make every effort to ensure the meeting is as safe and fulfilling as possible. We will announce the details of the meeting format promptly as soon as it has been decided.