EGU Alfvén Conferences The EGU Alfvén Conference is named after the Nobel Prize winner and one of the founders of Space Physics, Hannes Alfvén who during his lifetime tried to bring up controversial ideas and to combine different research tools (laboratory experiments, observations and theory). Science almost always allows different ways of explaining the same physical phenomena (e.g. the wave and particle views of atoms). This particularly applies to space physics, where observations are generally not sufficient to nail down a unique interpretation. Therefore, the aim of this conference is not to impose a unified interpretation, but rather to gather different views and learn from each other. The meeting is discussion-oriented, with a view to understand the contending physical explanations. Panel discussions will help to open up our minds to novel ideas. The series of EGS Alfvén Conferences started in 1996. The conferences are normally held every few years in one of the EGS membership countries. However, in principle anyone from the space plasma community may organize an Alfvén Conference. Goals of the conference To gather different views and tools into one place. To stimulate new research topics. To give a sense of direction to future studies. To increase awareness of weak points of our research tools. Budget policy of the conference Conference fee covers the entire conference but no travel support. EGS will help with announcements and proceedings, but will not provide financial support. List of Alfvén Conferences 1st Alfvén Conference Low-Altitude Investigation of Dayside Magnetospheric Boundary Processes Kiruna, Sweden, 9-13 September 1996 Proceedings: Phys. Chem. Earth, Vol. 22, Nos. 7-8, 599-789, 1997. 2nd Alfvén Conference Auroral Particle Acceleration Stockholm, Sweden, 3-7 May 1999 Proceedings: Phys. Chem. Earth, part C, Vol. 26, Nos. 1-3, 1-245, 2001. 3rd Alfvén Conference Alfvén Waves in Space Plasmas Steamboat Springs, CO, USA, 23-27 August 2004