Call for Abstracts: AGU U004 Behind the Breakthrough: Lessons Learned form Experiments in Earth and Space Science

[Pnina Miller]

We invite you to submit an abstract to AGU Session: U004 Behind the Breakthrough: Lessons Learned from Experiments in Earth and Space Science

Experiments—whether in labs, the field, or conducted remotely via satellite or simulation—are central to discovery across Earth and space science. Yet behind each result lies a complex web of decisions, redesigns, setbacks, and human dynamics that often go unspoken. 

This session invites scientists from all disciplines to reflect on the experimental process: What makes an experiment successful? Where do things go wrong, and why? How do teams stay motivated through long, uncertain efforts? And how can we foster a culture of collaboration, iteration, and learning?

We aim to create space for candid dialogue about the real challenges and successes of experimental work. We welcome cross-disciplinary contributions—from high-risk lab tests to remote field campaigns, long-duration missions to community-led research. Presentations should explore experimentation in full: project design, mentorship, overcoming challenges, teamwork, and adaptation. We especially encourage stories that blend technical insight with personal and institutional reflection—offering lessons for researchers at every stage.

Conveners:  Jesse Bonner, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States, Pnina E Miller, Earthscope Consortium, Socorro, United States, Catherine Mary Snelson, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States and Heather A Ford, Yale University, New Haven, United States

https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu25/prelim.cgi/Session/249294