The SHV30 International Conference will be a 5-day event (Monday 14th – Friday 18th July 2025), offering a diverse range of activities and opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking, as well as fostering dialogue between experts and community.
Mid-conference field trips will offer various options whether you’re interested in the scientific aspects of Montserrat’s volcanology or keen to explore the island’s rich history and vibrant culture.
The proposed contributions will enable discussions on the following topics, withinspecific daily themes or spread across multiple sessions and activities (consult tentative schedule):
THEME 1 – Advances in volcano research and monitoring in the Eastern Caribbean and Beyond.
THEME 2 – Managing Risk – Global and local lessons from the Past, Tools for Today, and Plans for Tomorrow.
THEME 3 – Creativity to cope, preserve memories, pass on risk knowledge and create opportunities through arts & tourism.
THEME 4 – Preparing, Responding and Shaping a sustainable future: community and leaders rebuilding and exploring new opportunities for a stronger society.
SHV30 Sessions & Presentation Formats
To create a comfortable space for everyone to participate in the discussions, the sessions will including traditional scientific presentations, panel discussions, online discussions, public events, workshops, cultural sessions, etc.
Traditional scientific oral presentations will be 15 minutes long, including 3 minutes for Q&A.
Poster presentations will have a dedicated area and scheduled sessions, without simultaneous oral discussions. Poster size is limited to A0 (84.1 x 118.9 cm). ‘Portrait’ orientation is preferred, but ‘Landscape’ will also be accepted.
We will contact you individually to coordinate the other formats, such as keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and more.
While English is the official language of SHV30, we welcome requests for translation support — please get in touch if needed.
SHV30 Tours
MVO & Plymouth Tour
This visit highlights the critical collaboration between the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA), showcasing how volcanic monitoring and local risk mitigation work together. Walking through Plymouth’s streets is a stark reminder of the Soufrière Hills Volcano’s impact.
Among the ruins at the foot of the volcano, stories of well-known people and places reveal both the scale of loss and the community’s resilience. The experience also underscores the practical challenges faced by scientists and disaster managers on a small island with an active volcano.
MVO & Plymouth Tour
Sail-by Geology
This stimulating tour allows you to take in the volcanic history of the island as you circumnavigate it by boat. A boat’s-eye view offers a unique perspective on dramatic coastal
exposures and the ongoing activity of the Soufrière Hills Volcano.
Highlights include pumice deposits from ancient eruptions, breathtaking views of areas impacted during the 1995-2010 activity, Montserrat’s only basaltic lava flows, visible faults that reflect the major structures thought to control volcanism in this area, as well as the oldest volcanic features at the Silver Hills.
Sail-by Geology
Oriole Walkway Nature Trail
This popular guided nature hike offers a chance to experience Montserrat’s rich biodiversity, including its national bird and only endemic species—the Montserrat Oriole. Beginning at the Hilltop Coffee Shop, which features local refreshments and a collection of volcanic and prevolcanic artefacts, the trail ascends to 1,287 feet.
Along the way, hikers enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island and may encounter unique species such as the limbless lizard snake, the critically endangered Montserrat orchid, and Rondeletia buxifolia.
Oriole Walkway Nature Trail
Geology of the 08-09 deposists
The Fourth Phase of activity at SHV occurred between July 2008 and January 2009 and included several large explosions (28 July 2008, 3 December 2008 and 2 January 2009) and rapid lava extrusion. The purpose of the trip will be to compare and contrast the range of deposits produced by the activity that are currently preserved on the western side of the
volcano upslope of the former capital of Plymouth.
We will examine the deposits of pumice-rich PDCs, dense block-and-ash flows, and large boulders that represent parts of the lava dome that highlight the variety of eruptive styles associated with activity at Soufriere Hills, Montserrat.
Geology of the 2008-09 Volcanic Deposits in Plymouth
MNI Archeology
Join us for an engaging archaeological tour of eastern Montserrat, exploring key sites that trace the island’s rich and complex history—from its earliest Amerindian settlements to colonial and post-emancipation eras. The tour begins with an overview of early Indigenous presence and colonial development in the area, followed by a visit to a former plantation to explore the island’s sugar era. We’ll then head to a coastal site highlighting military history and views of a significant Indigenous settlement.
Time permitting, the return route will feature stops at additional estate ruins, with reflections on post-emancipation life and ongoing archaeological research. Along the way, hikers enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island and may encounter unique species such as the limbless lizard snake, the critically endangered Montserrat orchid, and Rondeletia buxifolia.
Montserrat Archaeology: From Amerindians to Modern Times
MNI community murals
Discover both long-standing and newly developed areas in Montserrat’s north through a vibrant series of community murals displayed at four key locations. This tour offers insight into places shaped by continuity and change, reflecting what matters to the community—from volcanic memories and cultural identity to the strength drawn from the island’s lush flora and fauna, and shared hopes for the future. Each mural sparks conversation, raises volcanic risk awareness, and helps pass on Montserrat’s living heritage to future generations and curious visitors.
Along the way, hikers enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island and may encounter unique species such as the limbless lizard snake, the critically endangered Montserrat orchid, and Rondeletia buxifolia.
Montserrat Community Murals Tour
SHV30 Social Programme
The SHV30 organising team, together with our local and international partners, is curating a vibrant programme of social events inspired by the conference theme. Designed to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, these events will offer opportunities to reflect, learn, and celebrate through music, storytelling, history, and community action. Event times and locations to be confirmed.
Slide 1
Volcanic Rythms - Emerald Community Singers Concert
An unforgettable evening of music during which the locally and internationally celebrated Choir will perform a special set of songs written during the Soufrière Hills eruption, giving voice to the everyday experiences, emotions, and resilience of life during the crisis.
family day
Montserrat Volcano Community Day
A family-friendly celebration of volcano science, creativity, and community resilience with fun, hands-on, and educational activities for all ages! Explore interactive volcano exhibits, some co-designed with the community, along with engaging activities and inspiring stories of solidarity. Discover how life on Montserrat is shaped by Nature, and the close bond between people and their ever-changing landscape.
voice
A Shot Across the Bow: Voices from the Montserrat past and 1930s Soufriere Hills Unrest
Step into a little-known chapter of Montserrat’s volcanic history. Through period photographs, letters, and live narration, this interactive evening explores the 1930s Soufrière Hills unrest — a precursor to the 1995 eruption. Learn how early monitoring efforts, public communication, and decision-making shaped the island’s first response to volcanic unrest, and how these human dynamics echo across generations of volcanic
crises.
movie
Volcano Movie Night
Volcano-movie night - Settle in for an evening of short films from Montserrat and beyond, explore resilience in times of disaster as well as the richness of everyday life, offering space to reflect on shared experiences, celebrate cultural identity, and enjoy powerful storytelling
Scientific Organizing Committee Prof J. Barclay (Volcanologist, University of Bristol, UK) Prof E. Calder (Volcanologist, University of Edinburgh, UK) Dr E.P. Joseph (Volcanologist, SRC Director, UWI) Dr K. Pascal (Volcanologist, MVO/UWI-SRC , Chair) Prof R. Robertson (Volcanologist, UWI-SRC) Lt Col. A. Ryan (Director, Disaster Management Coordination Agency, Commanding Officer of the Royal Montserrat Defense Force, Montserrat) Dr G. Ryan (Volcanologist, MVO Director, MVO/UWI-SRC) Mr. M. Valecha (Multiple business owner and co-founder, Montserrat) Ms. T. Williams (Education & Outreach Coordinator, MVO, Montserrat)
Local Organizing Committee Ms. T. Williams, (MVO, Chair) Ms. V. Dubery, (MVO) Ms. G. Jeswani, (MVO) Ms. S. Charles, (MVO) Ms. V. Bass, (MVO) Mr. C.B. Williams, (MVO) Mr. M. Fergus, (MVO) Mr. A. Ramdeane, (MVO) Ms. A. Juman (UWI-SRC)
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