Community Voices on the Future of Radiation Belt Research: A Summary of the 2024 GEM Radiation Belt Focus Group Round-Table Discussion

This commentary summarizes key insights from a round-table discussion organized by the “System Understanding of Radiation Belt Particle Dynamics through Multi-Spacecraft and Ground-Based Observations and Modeling” focus group at the 2024 Geospace Environmental Modeling (GEM) Workshop. Bringing together around 60 participants, including many students and early-career scientists, the session explored recent advances, critical open questions, and future directions in radiation belt science and exploration. Participants highlighted significant progress in observations, modeling, and understanding of radiation belt dynamics over the past decade. However, critical challenges remain, including the accurate quantification of source and loss processes, the role of small- and meso-scale processes in radiation belt dynamics, system coupling within the magnetosphere, and the applicability of current knowledge to more active solar and geomagnetic conditions. The discussion emphasized the need for improved observational and modeling capabilities, open science practices, and stronger community collaboration to drive future advances.