The EarthTemp Network hosted its first workshop in Edinburgh in June 2012 to identify current gaps in our knowledge and scientific priorities for the next 5 to 10 years. Fifty-five participants gathered from 5 continents attended, with almost all of the desired range of expertise represented: scientists working on every domain of Earth’s surface, making or using in-situ measurements, satellite products and re-analysis.
The meeting kicked off with a "scientific speed networking" activity: right at the start, every participant got to know a dozen others. No wonder that the poster session on the first afternoon already featured intense debates.
The meeting placed particular emphasis on networking activities and stimulating creative cooperation. To encourage a diversity of opinions and ideas, each main theme was discussed in four parallel small groups - a total of 20 groups, randomly re-mixed for each session. Each participant was treated to a personalised schedule and a full day of intense and focussed active investigation of several different topics. Hard work, but also plenty of opportunity to get to know and understand each other!
In plenary sessions, keynote speakers presented overviews of the state of art, unresolved questions and ideas for future directions to a very captive audience.
The workshop engaged not only the mind but also the body. After all the fun discussions, the scientists got the more difficult task of understanding and reproducing the complicated figures of traditional Scottish Dancing (or chill out over some drinks):
The scientific results and recommendations of the workshop will be published and communicated in due course.
As organisers, we can say that it has been a very intense and demanding, but also enjoyable and productive meeting, in which all participants met many new colleagues and could forge new professional links. A big "Thank You" to all the participants: you made it a success with your ideas and your enthusiasm for understanding Earth's surface temperatures!