The opening of the conference European Space Weather Week 2025

aurora opening

The Swedish space weather community, represented by Umeå University, officially welcomed participants to the European Space Weather Week (ESWW) 2025 today at the COMEO Conference Centre.

Running from October 27 to 31, the event gathers experts from all over the world—including researchers in space weather and space climate, engineers, satellite operators, power grid and communication specialists, navigation experts, aviation representatives, and space weather service providers—to share insights, exchange ideas, and develop new strategies for advancing the field.

Audrey Umu, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, officially opened the European Space Weather Week (ESWW) 2025 at 09:00 local time. The opening session featured welcoming remarks from Swedish representatives across academia, industry, and government, setting a collaborative tone for the week ahead.

ToraTora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University, delivered the first keynote address, extending a warm welcome to participants and underscoring Sweden’s growing role in international space weather research.

Holmberg highlighted Umeå University’s unique position as one of the northernmost universities in the world—an institution with a deep connection to the Arctic. She noted the university’s pride in its Arctic research centre, which unites scholars from diverse disciplines in a shared commitment to understanding the region. This multidisciplinary spirit, she said, mirrors the collaborative vision of the ESWW conference. 

 Emphasising the role of science in today’s world, Holmberg stated, “When fundamental scientific truths are challenged, it's crucial that we don't remain silent. Events like this are an opportunity to affirm the central role of science in solving critical societal problems. And I'm truly proud and delighted that Umeå can be the place for this exchange.” 

Olle

Helene Hellmark Knutsson, Governor of Västerbotten County, feels a lot of pride in Sweden’s strong tradition in space research and technology, as well as its distinction as home to the EU’s only spaceport, soon to launch satellites. She emphasised that genuine progress in space exploration depends on international cooperation among nations, researchers, and industry

Ela Karlsson, the Director General of the Swedish National Space Agency, underlined that for “a nation like Sweden with deep roots in the Arctic landscape, space weather is not an abstract phenomenon. It is a tangible reality here”, an idea reiterated also by Olle Norberg, Director General of the Swedish Institute of Space Physics.

Piers Jiggens, Chair of the ESWW Programme Committee, also delivered welcoming remarks and encouraged the participants to have an active role in shaping the conference by offering their feedback. 

The opening ceremony included a heartfelt tribute to the late Herman Opgenoorth, a distinguished colleague and respected member of the space weather community who passed away earlier this year. A dedicated In Memoriam article about Professor Opgenoorth is available on the E-SWAN webpage.