A pioneering new workshop aims to spark creative thinking and novel concepts in the field of earth observation, with applications invited from early career researchers and technical professionals.
The Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI), which aims to develop UK innovative technologies to observe Earth from space, has revealed details of this year’s Collaboration and Creative Ideas Lab.
Offering space for exploration of new research ideas, the Lab will provide an unrivalled opportunity to build collaborative relationships and propose concepts involving Earth observation instruments and anchored in addressing scientific, societal and business needs.
The Lab sessions, which will begin with a participant briefing on September 26 and will run in October 2025, are designed for those working in academia, industry or other research institutions based in the UK.
Participants will be working in the area of Earth observation (EO) science and technology and have an interest in developing and using new Earth observation instrumentation and applications.
The Lab will take the form of a series of professionally facilitated online workshops, culminating in a proposal pitch developed with support from experienced and expert mentors.
Dr Nicolas Lévêque,Director of the CEOI, said: “This is an exciting and unique opportunity to build connections, develop innovative EO instrument project concepts, reflect on how these can address scientific, societal, and business challenges, and gain experience of developing and pitching proposals.
“The CEOI aims to realise an excellent, internationally competitive national Earth observation instrument and technology research and development programme. This Lab will contribute to this aim by providing training through experience to early career researchers and professionals, who may go on to lead exciting EO technology and applications developments in the future.”
Earth observation is the process of collecting information about the Earth’s surface, water and atmosphere through ground-based, airborne or satellite remote sensing platforms. It is fundamental to humanity’s understanding of our planet, its climate and natural processes, and its adaptation to global changes.
Data from Earth observation is used by a wide range of industries, including regional and local planning, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, health, transport, climate change, sustainable development, civil protection, environmental protection, energy and tourism.
Applications for the Collaboration and Creative Ideas Lab are open to PhD students if they have successfully completed the first year of full-time equivalent study by September 2025, and include a supporting letter from their supervisor.
The closing date for applications is noon on Friday, 8 August, 2025, with a review of participant applications set to be completed by mid-August 2025.
For more details and application information, visit https://ceoi.ac.uk/opportunities/current-calls/2025-ceoi-creative-ideas-collaboration-lab/
