The SEG Student Chapter at Federico II is the best geophysical team in the world
The SEG Student Chapter at Federico II is the best geophysical team in the world
This award from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists recognizes the work carried out in 2025 by the DiSTAR student group, which stood out among more than 100 active university student chapters worldwide.
Student geophysicists at Federico II win top international honor: the SEG Student Chapter of the University of Naples Federico II and the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Resource Sciences (DiSTAR) has been named “Best SEG Student Chapter of the Year 2026” by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), standing out among more than 100 active university student chapters worldwide.
The Student Chapter is a student organization that aims to introduce students to the world of geophysics through scientific, educational, outreach, and professional activities, while also fostering dialogue and networking with the national and international geophysics community.
The award was presented during the IMAGE 2026 international conference, organized by the SEG in Houston, United States. Representing the Federico II SEG Student Chapter were Ciro Messina (President 2025) and Vittorio Rapillo (Vice President 2026).
The award, given in recognition of the activities carried out during 2025, represents an important milestone for the Chapter and attests to the progress made over the years in promoting geophysics and Earth sciences among university students and in the local community.
Over the years, the Chapter has organized numerous field activities, involving students from various universities and international organizations and offering them the opportunity to engage directly with the local terrain and the methodologies of applied geophysics. Among the most significant experiences was the field camp organized at the Archaeological Excavations of Pompeii, a particularly noteworthy initiative that combined geophysical training with the promotion of archaeological heritage, involving both Italian and international students.
Special attention has also been given to outreach initiatives aimed at high school students, with the goal of introducing the younger generation to the study of the Earth and its applications.
This achievement was made possible in part by the constant support of DiSTAR and the faculty members who have guided the Chapter over the years. Special thanks go to the Faculty Advisor, Professor Maurizio Fedi, and the Co-Faculty Advisor, Dr. Maurizio Milano, for their support, guidance, and dedication in fostering the Student Chapter’s activities.
The nomination as Best SEG Student Chapter of the Year 2026 represents the culmination of a collective, multi-year journey. This achievement looks toward the future and reinforces the commitment of the Federico II SEG Student Chapter to creating new opportunities for education, networking, and growth for students, as well as to promoting geophysics and Earth sciences.