U.K. University Hosts Environmental Tech Training Center

GOES-2 satellite illustration (NASA)

The University of Leicester in the U.K. will soon launch a new €3.5 million ($4.54 million) research center to train environmental researchers in using current satellite technologies. The new European Centre of Excellence in Earth Observation Research Training or GIONET is set to begin on 18 January 2011.

The center plans to train 14 researchers in satellite remote sensing over the next four years. The new scientists will be placed in industry and universities, and gain work experience abroad. Each student is expected to work on a research project involving a practical application of satellite earth monitoring.

GIONET will also satisfy the demand for more researchers and provide skilled personnel for the European Earth observation programme Global Monitoring for Environment and Security for work in land monitoring and emergency services.

In addition to training, GIONET will develop new methods for research and address practical concerns such as disaster relief following landslides and floods. Research at GIONET is expected to involve climate change monitoring, protection of tropical rain forests, lake water quality measuring, and coastal erosion.

GIONET is collaboration between international partners from the private and public sector, including companies in the U.K. and Germany. It is funded by the European Commission, Framework Programme 7, and Marie Curie Programme.

Read more: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Imaging Data Collected

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