February 10, 2026 | BARAYAGWIZA Sylvain

EAIFR Conference Report Published in Bulletin of Volcanology

A report from the international conference hosted at the East African Institute for Fundamental Research (EAIFR) in September 2025 has been published in the Bulletin of Volcanology under the title “From magma to macrophage: the grand challenges of volcanic environments.” The conference brought together students, health professionals, and scientists from Africa and around the world to discuss the complex processes that shape volcanic regions and their impacts on society. Topics ranged from magma dynamics, seismic monitoring, and volcanic ash dispersion to the unique challenges of the Virunga region, including Lake Kivu’s gas-rich waters and active volcanoes such as Nyiragongo. The meeting also explored volcanic soils, climate impacts of eruptions, and health issues linked to volcanic environments. A key message of the conference was the need for interdisciplinary approaches that connect geoscience, environmental research, agriculture, energy, and public health. The report also highlights the importance of strengthening scientific capacity in Africa so that local researchers can address regional challenges related to natural hazards and sustainable development. Read the full article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00445-026-01936-2 Watch the conference summary video: https://youtu.be/89T1nCt39yo