July 14, 2026 marks one year since the opening of the Soufrière Hills Volcano 30 Years On (SHV30) International Conference, a landmark event that brought together scientists, risk practitioners, policymakers, students, artists, residents, and members of the Montserrat diaspora to reflect on three decades of volcanic activity and its lasting impacts on Montserrat and the wider world.

Hosted by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) in collaboration with The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC), the five-day conference was held from 14–18 July 2025 under the theme “Turning Magma Into Momentum: Synergies between Science, Risk Management, and Communities for a Sustainable Life with Active Volcanoes.”

SHV30 provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange, community reflection, and international collaboration. The conference featured more than 70 presentations, attracted participants from 15+ countries, welcomed 100+ attendees, and brought together experts representing 50+ institutions worldwide. Through talks, panel discussions, workshops, field trips, cultural events, and community activities, participants explored lessons from the Soufrière Hills Volcano eruption while considering future pathways for resilience, sustainable development, and volcanic risk management.

A Collective Achievement

The success of SHV30 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners who recognized the importance of creating a space where science, community experiences, and disaster risk reduction could come together.

MVO and SRC extend sincere appreciation to the conference sponsors:

• Office of the Premier, Government of Montserrat
• Simon’s Rock in Montserrat
• Deepak’s Enterprises Ltd.
• Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
• International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI)
• Bank of Montserrat
• Governor’s Office Montserrat
• Montserrat Utilities Limited

The organizing committee also acknowledges the invaluable support provided by:

• Government Information Unit (GIU)
• Montserrat Arts Council
• Ticket Pulse
• Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA)
• Department of Environment (DOE)
• Montserrat Red Cross
• FlyMontserrat
• JMA Studios
• Montserrat Tourism Authority
• ZJB Radio Montserrat
• Williams Consultancy
• Colourful Creations

Their contributions supported everything from logistics, communications, transportation, and event management to public engagement, cultural programming, and participant experiences. Their partnership helped ensure that SHV30 was not only a scientific conference but also a community-centred event that showcased Montserrat’s resilience, history, and ongoing relationship with the Soufrière Hills Volcano.

Building Lasting Connections

One of the defining outcomes of SHV30 was its ability to strengthen relationships between researchers, emergency managers, government agencies, local communities, and international partners. The conference fostered meaningful discussions on volcanic monitoring, risk communication, disaster management, education, culture, tourism, and sustainable development. It also highlighted Montserrat’s continuing contribution to global volcanology and disaster risk reduction.

As MVO and SRC reflect on the conference one year later, the organizations remain grateful to every sponsor, supporter, presenter, volunteer, and participant who contributed to its success.

The legacy of SHV30 continues through new collaborations, ongoing research, strengthened partnerships, and a shared commitment to improving how communities around the world live safely and sustainably with active volcanoes.

On behalf of MVO and SRC, thank you for helping make SHV30 a truly impactful and memorable event.