ECR perspectives from the first international VIPS conference

In this second of two blog posts, we showcase more experiences from the ECR bursary recipients who attended our first international conference hosted by MAGMA Lab at the University of Liverpool earlier this year.

Read all about the first VIPS conference here and the first ECR blog here.

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Magma batch emplacement in the Slaufrudalur pluton, SE Iceland: An ECR perspective of the first international VIPS Conference

Orlando Quintela, Uppsala University, Sweden

My PhD project focuses on incremental growth of igneous intrusions by magma batch emplacement. We investigate the structural relationships of a granitic intrusion in Southeast Iceland which is referred to as the Slaufrudalur pluton. The pluton is the largest exposed entirely granitic intrusion in Iceland. Here, we combine field mapping and magnetic fabric analysis to decipher the role and implications of successive magma batch emplacement on the internal architecture of igneous intrusions.

Attending the VIPS conference was a great opportunity to follow up on the current research on magmatic and volcanic systems. I had the chance to give a talk during the conference and got feedback from research colleagues on my PhD project. The talk summarized preliminary results which are now being incorporated into the first and core paper of the PhD.

We are planning on writing three papers in total which address the Slaufrudalur pluton from different perspectives. The first paper focuses on the internal magnetic fabric relationships, whereas the second and third papers are essentially field-based and assess deformation features around and within the pluton. In this context, preparing the talk for the conference allowed me to further scrutinize the dataset and organize it in a concise way. Since the dataset includes to a great extent complex magnetic fabric and mineralogy analyses, I really had to dig deeper into it in order to identify and interpret the main data trends.

The whole process of bringing it into a cohesive narrative started during and after the VIPS conference, and I can only emphasize the importance of it to my own learning process.

I am grateful for having been granted the VIPS bursary and now look very much forward to contributing to the wider VIPS scientific community.

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Experience and perspective from a Latin American ECR

Matías Poblete, Universidad de Chile

The recent scientific conference on Volcanic and Igneous Plumbing Systems (VIPS) brought together a vibrant community of researchers and enthusiasts to discuss the latest advancements and perspectives regarding the complex natural systems that constitute VIPS. This conference meant a crucial event for fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of these processes that shaped our planet in the past and that are still occurring underneath our feet. One of the most remarkable aspects of the conference was the diverse representation of perspectives, research fields, and nationalities. Researchers from a variety of disciplines, including petrology, geochemistry, numerical and analogue modelling, geophysics, and physical volcanology shared their latest findings. The attendees hailed from several regions of the globe, reflecting the universal importance and impact of understanding volcanic and igneous systems. This diversity not only enriched the discussions but also emphasized the value of incorporating varied methodologies and viewpoints into a necessary holistic understanding of magmatic systems that attempts to gather all of them into a complex conceptual model.

The conference was preceded by three diverse and useful workshops. I attended the highly engaging “Exploring crystal histories – the petrological and geochemical toolbox” diffusion chronometry workshop, hosted by Dr. Katy Chamberlain & Dr. Geoff Kilgour. This event provided participants with practical tools to apply in their research, from theoretical background to hands-on tasks, with free-use and user-friendly software for diffusion chronometry. It was an inspiring prelude to the main conference that delved into methods for determining timescales of magmatic processes through mineral analysis, setting the stage for the rich discussions that followed.

During the conference sessions over the following two days, I encountered and engaged with amazing people from really different backgrounds, spanning early career MSc and PhD students, to highly recognized researchers. Coffee breaks and meals were an amazing opportunity to discussing scientific challenges and opportunities, exchange ideas and share our own experiences in the field. This enabled us to connect as scientists but also as real people who are fascinated with nature and their processes, particularly those that took place through our solid earth.

One significant aspect was the integration of researchers from developing countries into the global scientific dialogue. These regions often host some of the world’s most fascinating and active volcanic systems, yet their representation in global research is frequently limited due to funding and resource constraints. By ensuring that scientists from these areas have a platform to share their work and access to cutting-edge research, we can foster more inclusive and comprehensive scientific progress. The conference’s bursary program played a pivotal role in enabling participation from individuals who might otherwise have faced barriers to attending, and giving these opportunities plays a fundamental role in favouring the scientific development in those areas.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the local organising committee and the sponsors for the bursary that allowed me to attend this remarkable event. Their support not only facilitated my participation but also underscored the importance of fostering inclusivity in scientific endeavours. I would also like to thank the committee for the delicious vegan food options and the recycling initiatives provided by the organisers, which not also reflects their compromise with inclusion of people, but also with the animals and the environment.

The first VIPS Conference of IAVCEI was a success in every point of view, so I am looking forward to welcoming you all to Chile to continue these vital discussions and collaborations in 2026!

Would you like to be featured on our blog?

We’re on the hunt for fellow VIPS enthusiasts to share their stories, whether you’re a student, an early career researcher (ECR) or more experienced researcher – we want to hear from you!

Do you have a new paper to tell the world about? Or have you been involved in some exciting fieldwork recently? Get in touch at info@vipscommission.org to tell us what’s going on in your field of VIPS.