Advancing higher and professional education in the field of Earth observation is the main goal of the European Space Agency (ESA) initiative Earth Observation Training Academy, to be led by Charles University. Representatives of the institutions involved outlined the project’s aims at Prague’s Kampus Hybernská multicultural and innovative space on Wednesday, 28 May.
At a press event announcing the details of the new Training Academy, were speakers such as Václav Kobera, Director of the Department of Space
Activities and New Technologies at the Ministry of Transport, Francesco Sarti, Scientific Coordinator of ESA’s educational and training activities,
and Přemysl Štych, project coordinator. Also present were Tomáš Cajthaml, Vice-Dean for Science and Research at the Faculty of Science at
Charles University, and Charles University Rector Milena Králíčková (pictured from left to right).
Remote Earth observation is a modern method by which scientists gather information about phenomena and objects on Earth through the acquisition and analysis of satellite imagery. It is vital for monitoring climate change and patterns of human settlement. It plays an indispensable and absolutely crucial role in areas such as security, crisis management during natural disasters, and environmental protection.
One of the European leaders in developing remote sensing is the Faculty of Science at Charles University, specifically the Department of Applied Geoinformatics and Cartography. Associate Professor Přemysl Štych, deputy head of the department, has been appointed coordinator of the three-year ESA project, which aims to increase student interest in this important field.
“My colleagues and I are tasked with developing geoinformatics, cartography and Earth observation at Charles University, both in terms of research and education. This project beautifully complements and expands our work. Thanks to long-term collaboration with ESA, and success in an open tender, we were able to establish the Earth Observation Training Academy. It is funded directly by ESA and aims to strengthen tertiary education in satellite-based Earth observation across Europe. The Academy’s main mission is to deliver a broad range of specialised training and innovative teaching materials. An important part of the project is also fostering collaboration in implementing technologies, data and materials—both at universities and in professional practice,” Štych noted.
His remarks were supported by ESA representative and scientific coordinator Francesco Sarti, whose organisation brings together 23 European nations.
“Space has a remarkable power to inspire young people to take up so-called STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Many disciplines, from physics and maths to chemistry and geography, find application in this field. It is vital to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and connections. Education and motivation can start early—even in nurseries or primary schools—and girls, too, can be drawn in through the topic of space, which allows for practical demonstrations that children love. I’ve seen this first=hand with my ten-year-old daughter,” said Sarti, who later delivered a lecture at Kampus Hybernská on current and planned ESA satellite missions.
Charles University Rector Milena Králíčková also spoke of how honoured the university is to be leading such a unique international educational initiative. “I would like to thank the entire team from the Faculty of Science. It is a faculty that ranks among the very best thanks to its excellent research and outstanding teaching. Our university responds to society’s needs and major societal challenges through its science and education—and this project reflects that very mission,” said the rectoradding how much she values initiatives that encourage student interest in the natural sciences.
Charles University is also a member of the CAERPIN consortium (Czech Aerospace Research Institute), which connects several Czech universities involved in space research and related educational activities. One of the consortium’s aims is to inspire young people to study technical subjects and become involved in space exploration.
Alongside the Earth Observation Training Academy, attendees also had the opportunity to meet members of a new student society, GeoArts, recently established at the Faculty of Science. The group aims to promote geoinformatics, cartography and remote sensing and to bring together geography enthusiasts.
