Ashley is based in the UK and works within the ESA Swarm Data, Innovation, and Science Cluster (Swarm DISC: https://swarmdisc.org). His background is in using low Earth orbit satellite data for geomagnetic field modelling and studying the coupling between the solar wind, magnetosphere, and ionosphere. Through his involvement with the Swarm mission he has transitioned toward a support role focused on developing open-source software to advance open science. Co-located at the University of Edinburgh, he begins a new chapter in 2026 as a self-styled “free-range science guy” with his independent enterprise Mag.Earth (https://mag.earth).
Since 2023 Ashley has served as co-chair of ICEO, supporting the delivery of our biannual IAGA Schools and ensuring continuity of our other initiatives such as the YouTube channel and blog. He is also involved in IAGA Division V (Geomagnetic Observatories, Surveys and Analyses), supporting the IGRF production and release, and improving dissemination of Swarm data.
Ashley’s opinion about ECS challenges
As the others have said, Ashley agrees that the insecure and transient nature of ECS employment is a huge challenge, complicating personal and family life, and threatening mental and financial health. We should also recognise that difficulties faced are highly individual, not just due to personal circumstance and area of expertise, but also due to the uneven availability of opportunities and support across different countries. Time-limited contracts (and the timeliness of relevant job openings) may also weaken scientific progress itself. People spend time and energy worrying about the next step, or leave academia entirely, representing a drain of knowledge and skill across the community.