The IGU Regional Conference, hosted by the Russian Geographical Society and being held at the Lomonosov Moscow State University (pictured) is underway.  Delegates from all over the world have descended on the campus for regular programme of scientific papers, in addition to which there are eight thematic lectures, eight keynote addresses, special days for schoolteachers, a youth programme, the Olympiad, a reception in honour of the 170th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society, a series of free half-day excursions around the city including a tour of the Museum of Earth Sciences at the top of the main building of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, and other activities. More than 1500 participants are here, approximately half of whom are from beyond the Russian Federation and represent some 60 countries.  IGU has awarded more than twenty travel grants to young geographers to help them to participate – seen receiving her award, with Vice-President Joos Droogleever-Fortuijn, is Ms Nathalie Caraballo from Venezuela