Zarmina Zahoor shares how the member exclusive RMetS Legacies Fund enabled her to attend  the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2026 in Vienna, enabling her to present two of her studies as an early career researcher in climate science and network with a diverse and international audience

I am immensely  grateful to the Royal Meteorological Society’s Legacies Fund for supporting my attendance at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2026 in Vienna. This support was instrumental in enabling me to present my research on wildfire risk in South Asia at an international platform and engage with a global community of researchers and opportunities that would not have been possible without this funding.

As an early career researcher in climate science, I presented two studies focusing on wildfire dynamics in South Asia, a region where wildfire risk is rapidly emerging under climate change. My poster presentation explored projected changes in fire weather using CMIP6 Earth System Models under multiple emissions scenarios. This work demonstrates that both seasonal mean and extreme fire‑weather conditions are likely to intensify by up to 10% by the end of the century, with as many as 20 additional days of extreme fire weather projected annually under high‑emissions scenarios.

In addition, I delivered an oral presentation examining observed changes in wildfire characteristics across South Asia between 2001 and 2023 using satellite‑derived data from NASA Fire Information for Resource Management system (FIRMS). This research identified significant increases in fire frequency and intensity, alongside shifts in seasonal timing of fire activity, highlighting growing vulnerability across diverse landscapes.

Presenting my work at EGU provided a valuable opportunity to engage with a diverse and international audience, receive constructive feedback, and discuss my findings with experts in fire meteorology, climate modelling, and remote sensing. The discussions and insights gained will directly contribute to strengthening my ongoing research and future publications.

The conference also offered excellent networking opportunities, allowing me to establish new professional connections and explore potential collaborations. Attending a wide range of sessions broadened my understanding of climate extremes and the latest methodological developments in the field.

Overall, attending EGU 2026 has been a highly rewarding experience that has significantly contributed to my professional development. I am sincerely grateful to the Royal Meteorological Society for providing this opportunity through the Legacies Fund.

Find out more about the RMetS Legacies Fund