NEWS The European Space Weather Week 2025 will bring together scientists, engineers, policymakers and industry professionals from around the world in Umeå from 27 to 31 October. The conference focuses on the latest developments in space weather research and its applications in forecasting, modelling and defense.
Umeå hosts the European Space Weather Week 2025.
ImageJohnér Bildbyrå AB, Jonas GunnarssonThis year’s European Space Weather Week (ESWW) marks the first time the event is held in Sweden, highlighting Sweden’s growing role in space science and innovation. The conference is hosted by Umeå University in collaboration with the Belgian Solar-Terrestrial Centre of Excellence and the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF).
The theme for ESWW2025 is “Technological Expansion of the Arctic: The New Frontiers of Space Weather”. It highlights the importance of collaboration across disciplines to better understand and mitigate the effects of solar storms and geomagnetic disturbances – phenomena that can disrupt satellites, aviation, power grids and communication systems.
“Hosting the conference in northern Sweden allows us to highlight the Arctic as a key region for understanding how space weather interacts with both the natural environment and technological systems,” says Audrey Schillings, chair of the organising committee.
The programme includes lectures, scientific sessions, panel discussions, and a medal ceremony. Topics range from solar physics and geomagnetic storms to satellite operations, aviation safety and societal preparedness.
In addition to the scientific programme, ESWW2025 offers several activities open to the public, aiming to spark curiosity about space science among people of all ages:
Training for students and early-career professionals in space weather, forecasting and applications. Takes place in Kiruna at the Swedish Institute for Space Physics and Kiruna Library. Includes a public event and a northern lights photo contest award on Saturday 11.00-14.00 at Kiruna Library.
Presentation and activity for upper secondary and ninth-grade students in Rotundan, Umeå University. Presented by Sara Nesbit-Östman (Umeå University) and Klaus Nielsen (DTU Space, Denmark).
Held at Folkets Hus in Umeå, with contributions from Västerbotten’s governor and representatives of Umeå University, Rymdstyrelsen, MSB and Swedish Institute for Space Physics.
Three panel discussions around the theme space weather:
Monday 27 October 10.45-12.15: Space weather challenges in the Arctic.
Wednesday 29 October 11.30-12.15: The future of space weather in Europe.
Friday 31 October 10.45-12.15: Space Weather at Moon, Mars and beyond.
Public talk at Idun, Folkets hus (from age 12) in Swedish and Scandinavian about space weather and space sounds. Speakers are Alice Wallner (IRF) and Klaus Nielsen (DTU Space, Denmark) and the event is moderated by Gabriella Stenberg Wieser (IRF – Fråga Lund).
Curiosum offers several activities around space and space weather, including a planeterella show and one evening – Tuesday - with experts during the conference week. All ages welcome.