Dear All,
We at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre, are excited to invite you to participate in the Soufrière Hills Volcano International Conference (SHV30), running from July 14-18, 2025, in Montserrat, Eastern Caribbean, to commemorate 30 years of volcanic activity at Soufrière Hills volcano.
That this is the third SHV conference, in many ways, tells its own tale. On the 18th of July 1995, when mud flowed and ash billowed from Soufrière Hills, darkening the Montserrat sky, nobody would have imagined that the volcano would persist for three decades, shaping life and posing unique challenges to the tiny United Kingdom Overseas Territory. The prolonged activity and its impacts on the community also catalyzed global developments in volcanology, risk management, communication, and mitigation.
The SHV30 conference, centered on the theme “Turning Magma Into Momentum,” invites scientists, risk practitioners, decision-makers, Montserrat residents, and the diaspora to reflect on lessons from the Soufrière Hills eruption, as well as similar experiences from across the Caribbean and beyond, while informing efforts to build a sustainable future for Montserrat.
The reach and impact of SHV30 will be extended by fostering dialogue between experts and the community, through discounted rates for Montserratians and a diverse range of activities, including traditional academic presentations, interactive discussions, online public events, and workshops, under the themes: • Advancing Volcanic Research and Monitoring to Reduce Risk • Managing Short- and Prolonged Volcanic Risks in a Complex World • Living with Volcanic Risk: Community, Governance, and Building a Sustainable Future after Disaster.
Those interested in organizing workshops or related activities are encouraged to contact the SHV3 organizing committee at shvinfo@mvo.ms. We welcome your ideas and look forward to shaping an exciting program together.
Complementing the conference, field trips and cultural events will showcase Montserrat’s unique charm, from the poignant volcanic landscapes of the Soufrière Hills and reluctantly abandoned communities, to the north’s kaleidoscope of unspoiled tropical forests, tranquil beaches, and eclectic villages. The Montserrat Calabash Festival, running from July 20-27 and named after the calabash fruit – a symbol of strength, versatility and resilience – will offer a unique experience and opportunity to honor the island’s rich history, culture and traditions.
Please find more information on www.mvo.ms or contact us at shvinfo@mvo.ms
We look forward to sharing an engaging and insightful conference experience with you.
Sincerely,
Dr Graham Ryan (MVO/UWI-SRC, MVO Director)
Dr Karen Pascal (MVO/UWI-SRC, Scientific Organizing Committee Chair)
Ms Thiffanie Wiliams (MVO, Local Organizing Committee Chair)
Click to download the SHV30 First Circular
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