EGU Geodynamics Division Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award | Dr Iris van Zelst

The Geodynamics Division Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award is presented by the EGU to recognise exceptional contributions to the field of geodynamics by a scientist in the early stages of their career.

This award recognises Dr van Zelst’s impact on the geodynamics community through outstanding scientific contributions, inspiring leadership, enthusiastic outreach and fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. 

The work of Dr van Zelst has opened up new avenues for studying tsunamigenic earthquakes and her research is helping us to better understand the kind of earthquakes that can cause tsunamis.  She studies how these powerful events unfold - from the very fast moments when an earthquake happens, to the much longer-term processes deep underground that build up stress over hundreds or even millions of years. Her work shows that during one earthquake, several faults in the Earth’s crust can be activated at once, providing crucial insights into seismic hazards. This kind of insight is crucial for improving how the risk of future earthquakes and tsunamis can be assessed.

Dr van Zelst’s interdisciplinary approach extends to planetary science, where she investigates links between planetary interiors and atmospheres. As part of the European Space Agency’s EnVision and PLATO mission consortia, she leads a team of international experts in seismology, geology, and geodynamics funded by the International Space Science Institute (ISSI). Together they have estimated how likely it is that Venus has earthquakes and explored the detection capabilities of different instruments for future geophysical missions to Venus.

Dr van Zelst has a clear passion for sharing science. She founded the EGU Geodynamics Blog, assembling a diverse team that created more than 100 blog posts in a year.

Her YouTube series, Science Sisters, offers lighthearted yet insightful interviews, exploring various career paths, academic life and science communication in the planetary and geosciences. Season 3 is set to launch in the autumn and will feature hybrid online seminars combining episode viewings with discussions, further promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

Dr van Zelst also created QUARTETnary, an educational card game about the geological time scale. Successfully crowdfunded in 2024, the game enhances players’ knowledge of Earth’s history, making learning both fun and effective!

Dr van Zelst’s dedication to excellence in research, her commitment to science communication, and, her efforts to foster an inclusive scientific community make her a very deserving recipient of the EGU Geodynamics Division Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award.