Across Europe and in many resource-dependent advanced economies, the number of undergraduate students enrolling in geoscience programmes and pursuing careers in the field has been declining. Factors often cited include limited visibility and narrow scope of geoscience subjects in the school curricula, accessibility issues, better access to local programmes so students do not need to travel abroad, misconceptions about career prospects, and a general lack of awareness of the societal relevance of geoscience. Yet, there are encouraging examples of institutions and initiatives successfully reversing this trend. These cases highlight opportunities for innovation in how geoscience is taught, communicated, and connected to pressing societal challenges.

This special discussion session will reframe the issue — viewing the decline not merely as a problem, but as an opportunity for the geoscience community to co-create new pathways with young people. We will aim to explore questions such as:

• How do young people today perceive geoscience, and what shapes these perceptions?
• What are the barriers preventing students from considering geoscience studies or careers?
• How can educators, geoscientists, and communicators engage with students to reimagine geoscience education and career path options?
• How can geoscientists highlight the vital role of geoscience in addressing societal and environmental challenges?

In this session, we will seek to generate insights and creative strategies to “turn the tide” — inspiring the next generation to see geoscience as essential, exciting, and impactful. This will be done through a dynamic panel discussion with solicited speakers and conveners, featuring geoscientists, school students, educators and science communicators.