Fwd: VERSIM Newsletter
Jonathan
From: František Němec <frantis...@mff.cuni.cz>
Date: Tue, May 27, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Subject: VERSIM Newsletter
To:
CC: Claudia Martinez <cla...@isee.nagoya-u.ac.jp>
Dear colleagues,
I hope this email finds you well and in good health. After a period of a radio silence, we're back with some VERSIM-related news:
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1) URSI-UK Monthly Colloquia - May 2025
URSI Comm. H invited talk on 28 May "Exploring the
coupling between ULF waves and cold plasma" by Jasmine Sandhu
Time: UK Time 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm (including Q&A)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://bham-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/82107451605?pwd=XIa51W3gpjaB2Uomq0afEAgIcI4kf8.1
Meeting ID: 821 0745 1605
Passcode: 077527
2) Space Plasma Physics: A Review (From: Bruce Tsurutani)
The 16 space plasma physics authors of “Space Plasma Physics: A
Review” ( https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.2022.3208906 ) have been
awarded the 2025 IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science (TPS) Best
Paper Award for papers electronically published in 2022. The award
was based on a set of metrics (downloads, citations, etc.) and was
selected by a set of IEEE Senior Editors. There will be a monetary
award of $1500.
3) In Memoriam: Professor Hermann Opgenoorth (1951–2025)
The international space science communities mourn the loss of
Professor Hermann Opgenoorth, who passed away on May 19, 2025.
Hermann was born in Bottrop, Germany, in 1951 and began his
scientific career with a Master’s degree in Geophysics from the
University of Münster in 1978. He moved to Sweden in 1981, earning
his PhD from Uppsala University in 1983, followed by a Docent
qualification in 1990. Hermann’s career spanned over four decades,
during which he made seminal contributions to science.
Hermann’s research was pivotal in elucidating the complex
interactions between the solar wind, magnetosphere, and ionosphere
at both Earth and Mars. He was renowned for pioneering coordinated
observations that combined data from both space-based missions and
ground-based observatories, and for putting fundamental research
to good use, exemplified in his engagement in space weather. His
contributions to European Space Agency (ESA) missions, as well as
his leadership in establishing ground-based networks like EISCAT,
SuperDARN, and the IMAGE magnetometer array, exemplified his
commitment to integrated, collaborative science. He had an
attitude that was curious, steadfast, tenacious and brilliant. An
important element of Hermann’s work over those 40+ years was his
support for numerous early career researchers around the globe,
many of whom now have successful careers in the field.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Hermann was a fervent advocate
for international cooperation in space research. As Head of the
Solar System Missions Division at the European Space Agency, he
championed missions that bridged scientific inquiry with societal
relevance. During this time Hermann was a driving force behind
initiatives such as the International Living With a Star (ILWS)
program, fostering global partnerships to advance our
understanding of space weather and its impacts on Earth. A
different, but no less important initiative, was the creation of
the Mars Upper Atmosphere Network (MUAN), designed to bring
together an international group of scientists working on the
plasma environment of Mars. While initially small, MUAN now
brings together scientists from around the globe to its meetings,
where new results are discussed, new collaborations begun and new
mission concepts prepared. Hermann was also a pivotal member of
the Expert Group on Space Weather for the United Nations’
Committee on peaceful Use of Outer Space and the co-chair of an
ESF/ESSC Space Weather Assessment and Consolidation Working Group.
Hermann’s outstanding contributions have been recognised by his
peers and colleagues through several awards. In 2018 Hermann was
awarded the International Marcel Nicolet Award at the European
Space Weather week and in 2023 Julius Bartels Medal by the
European Geosciences Union, honouring his exceptional work in
substorm and space weather research, as well as his unwavering
commitment to fostering international collaboration. He was also
an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and held
Honorary Professorships at the University of Leicester.
In the later years of his career, he joined Umeå University in
northern Sweden, where he continued his passionate engagement in
research, mentoring, and international collaboration as Professor
Emeritus. Although officially retired, he remained deeply involved
in the scientific community — contributing to ongoing projects,
supporting early-career scientists, and strengthening global
research networks. His presence at Umeå was marked by intellectual
generosity, enthusiasm for discovery, and a sincere commitment to
nurturing the next generation of researchers. He was a deeply
valued colleague whose guidance and warmth left a lasting
impression on his colleagues.
Hermann’s legacy is one of scientific depth, lasting contributions
to space physics, and an unwavering dedication to international
collaboration. He will be remembered for shaping key areas of
solar-terrestrial research, and his commitment to advancing
science through cooperation and mentorship will continue to
inspire future generations of researchers. He will also be
remembered for his endless and cheerful stories over a beer in
cozy pubs.
He is survived by his family, colleagues, and a global community
of researchers who were privileged to work alongside him.
With deep respect and remembrance,
Dr. Maria Hamrin, Department of Physics, Umeå University, Sweden
Dr. Audrey Schillings, Department of Physics, Umeå University,
Sweden
Prof. Mark Lester, University of Leicester, UK
Dr. Johan Köhler, Swedish National Space Agency
Close collaborators and friends of Professor Hermann Opgenoorth,
on behalf of his many colleagues and friends in the international
space science communitie
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Frantisek Nemec
IAGA co-chair of the VLF/ELF Remote Sensing of Ionospheres and
Magnetospheres (VERSIM) group
-- Prof. RNDr. Frantisek Nemec, Ph.D. Space Physics Laboratory e-mail: frantis...@mff.cuni.cz Department of Surface and Plasma Science web: http://nemec.matfyz.cz Faculty of Mathematics and Physics phone: +420 95155 2330 Charles University V Holesovickach 2, 180 00 Prague, Czech Republic