Dr Astrid Werkmeister has been appointed as the Early Career Representative on the UK Space Agency’s Earth Observation Advisory Committee.

The committee – a small, trusted group of sector representatives – provides independent expert advice on national and international Earth observation priorities.

Earth observation involves gathering information about the Earth’s surface, waters and atmosphere using ground-based, airborne and satellite remote sensing technologies.

Monitor changes

The data gathered can be used to monitor changes in natural and human-made environments and inform activity across a wide range of areas, including industry, agriculture, health, transport and climate change.

The UK Space Agency held a national competitive recruitment process for three independent positions on the committee: Chair, Vice-Chair and Early Career Representative. The full committee was formally announced at the National Earth Observation Conference in Warwick on 15 September.

Dr Werkmeister is involved in several major projects using satellite technology to address global challenges. These include the ‘Decoding Climate Displacement’ initiative, which uses satellite data to study the impacts of climate change on human migration.

Practical applications

She said: “My work across academia, industry and government helps turn Earth observation research into practical applications, from commercial and public sector uses to tackling issues such as climate justice and displacement.

"I want to bring that experience to help ensure the UK’s Earth observation expertise benefits not only the organisations using the technology, but also the people and communities affected by the decisions it informs.”