Our pioneering research in satellite observation and data modelling is making a difference from helping local environments and economies to informing national and international policies. Find out how we are monitoring environmental impacts, extreme weather and tackling climate change using innovative data analysis and collection techniques. Earth observation involves gathering information about the Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems using remote sensing technologies such as satellites.We are leading the way in of Earth observation, using drone and satellite observations. We are delivering new platforms, techniques and applications to analyse large Earth system datasets, analysed over different timescales to reflect differences in the timing of relevant decision-making. Our School leads the Space and Satellite Innovation Programme within the Bayes Centre as part of the University's Data-Driven Innovation Initiative.We also lead the SENSE Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) for Satellite Data in Environmental Science. SENSE encourages multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration across academia, industry, and the third sector.We have won numerous awards for our data-driven research in space and satellites, including from the UK and European Space Agencies.See the highlights of our work below: European Space Agency Our work with the European Space Agency is transforming the way we monitor climate change, ecosystems, and polar regions Climate and forest monitoring Our work in mapping and estimating climate and forest models has led to vast improvements in understanding these complex systems. This work is helping to preserve ecosystems and save lives. Start-ups Our researchers have been involved in numerous innovative start-ups regarding space and satellite technology that work closely with our School, University and industry partners. International satellite policy and investment Work by our researchers have also influenced international policy and investment into space and satellite technology:Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Our researchers’ work has directly contributed to long-term monitoring programmes such as the CEOS Atmospheric Composition Virtual Constellation Group.CEOS is an international organization formed of 34 national space agencies as regular member and 25 other associate members (as of 2020. It is focused around the value of coordinating international Earth observation efforts to benefit society. CEOS is proposing to combine data from existing satellites into a dedicated virtual satellite constellation to help monitor global greenhouse gasesYou can find out more about the CEOS and the Atmospheric Composition Virtual Constellation Group on their website: Visit the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites website UK Joint GEO/CEOS Office The UK’s Joint GEO/CEOS Office combines the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS).The office is hosted by National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO).The UK GEO/CEOS Office supported Professor Palmer's membership of the CEOS Carbon working group as the UK representative.You can find out more about the UK’s Joint GEO/CEOS Office on the NCEO website: Visit the National Centre for Earth Observation website Chinese governmentCollaborative work between our researchers and Chinese researchers has recently shown the benefit of a long-term Chinese investment in afforestation using in ground and satellite measurements of greenhouse gasses.They showed that China's forests absorb 1.11 billion tonnes of carbon annually. This is nearly 50% of Chinese man-made emissions during the same period, increasing confidence in the Chinese Government that the ongoing afforestation initiative will play a key role in achieving the net-zero emissions target by 2060 that was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This article was published on 2025-07-16
