Copernicus Evolution: Research Activities Supporting the Advancement of Copernicus Downstream Services

The project aims to develop a multi-sensor approach integrating remote-sensing data with in-situ observations, coordinated with satellite overpasses, across diverse environments to assess the vulnerability of natural and anthropogenic systems and related ecosystems. This is achieved through the mapping of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs)—particularly land cover and morphodynamics—and the analysis of their spatial and temporal relationships. The project includes the integrated development of methods for processing and analysing satellite and in-situ data. An integrated framework is proposed to enable the scientific exploitation of hyperspectral PRISMA data, in synergy with other satellite missions, for detailed land-cover mapping to assess ecosystem vulnerability and the protection of ecosystem services. These aspects are crucial for the preservation and management of environmental resources. The methodology involves innovative algorithms applicable to multispectral Sentinel and Landsat data, which will then be extended to PRISMA hyperspectral products. The approach is expected to enhance user engagement and support full data exploitation of the mission. The identification and mapping of ecosystem types, boundaries, discontinuities, and spatial patterns are essential steps in designing long-term sustainability and management strategies. The remote-sensing component aims to identify and characterize key indicators using multi-temporal datasets from multi- and hyperspectral sensors. A methodology for mapping and assessing ecosystem services from satellite-derived land-use/land-cover maps will be demonstrated in selected case studies such as the Mekong Delta. Vegetation indices derived from satellite data will not only delineate vegetation patterns but also serve as proxies for mapping and quantifying associated ecosystem services.

Other projects:

-SpecFor – Spectroscopic Detection of Forest Damage: Investigating new declines of Italian holm oak forests from the leaf to the landscape scale (PRIN)

-SubRISK+ - Enhancing our Understanding of Subsidence Risk Induced by Groundwater Exploitation Toward Sustainable Urban Development (PRIN call)

-COMEFAR – COordinated Multiwavelength Exploration of FAst Radio bursts (INAF)

-ANIMA – Astronomy with Natively Interpretable MAchine Learning (INAF)

-TULiP – Timing the Ultra-Luminous X-ray Pulsars (INAF)

-The Binary Pulsar 4U 0728-25 in the Context of Persistent BeXRBs (INAF)

-BLOSSOM – BLack hOleS Swift fOrMation (INAF)

-Untangling the Wires in the Behaviour of High-Mass X-ray Binaries (INAF)

-Italian Partnership SPACE IT UP!

-SEAWIND-Super-Eddington Accretion: Wind, Inflow, and Disk (PRIN)

Training and Education:
 

Educational Offering on Space Science, Astrophysics, and Earth Observation

For several years, IUSS has offered Ordinary Courses within the Science and Technology area on topics related to space, astrophysics, and the observation of Earth and its changes. Among the courses currently active or recently offered are: “The Search for Extraterrestrial Life” and “X-ray Astronomy: Instrumentation, Data Analysis, and Publication of Results” (Prof. Andrea Tiengo); “Astrochemistry” (Prof. Cristina Puzzarini, University of Bologna); “Space Missions for Earth Observation” (Prof. Andrea Taramelli); “Statistical Tools to Analyze Astronomical Data” (Dr. Mario Pasquato, INAF); “Radiative Processes in Astrophysics”, “High-energy Astrophysics”, and the seminar “Black Holes” (Prof. Paolo Esposito); and “How Stars Die” (Dr. Guglielmo Mastroserio). Together, these constitute a true educational pathway in space sciences, touching upon topics that are often not extensively covered in traditional university curricula. The CAELUS Center aims to serve as a natural coordinating structure linking these teaching activities with related areas—climate change, data analysis, and the philosophical and societal aspects of technological development—which are already part of the current educational offering and will further expand in the coming years.
Within the National PhD Program in Space Science and Technology, the following courses will also be offered: “Observing Space from Space” and “From Observation to Discovery: Data Analysis Using a Human Brain” (Prof. Tiengo), and “New Space Economy in Earth Observations” (Prof. Taramelli, also offered in the National PhD Program in Earth Observation).

National PhD Program in Space Science and Technology

Italy has a long-standing tradition in space science and technology and has developed a complete chain of activities linking university education, academic and industrial research, and technological innovation. Space activities represent an inherently multidisciplinary field requiring specialized training. The National PhD Program in Space Science and Technology aims to train young researchers in science, engineering, technology, and international relations in the space sector by fostering the acquisition and development of knowledge, skills, and competencies across the research areas of the 27 participating universities and research institutions. The educational themes related to space activities span multiple domains, making the National PhD Program’s approach particularly effective. This structure allows for the sharing of lectures, training modules, laboratory experiences, and internship opportunities offered by numerous national and international institutions—ensuring excellence in content, the development of solid professional networks, and a high degree of personalization in individual training profiles. The educational offering consists of advanced courses delivered remotely during the first two years. Research activities related to the doctoral dissertation are carried out over three years at the host institution providing the scholarship, including mandatory research stays of at least six months in another Italian institution and at least six months abroad. The research plan is developed with the Curriculum Advisor and approved by the Academic Board. The final dissertation must present original and innovative scientific content. By the end of the program, candidates must demonstrate autonomy in conducting research and the ability to effectively communicate methods and results to an international audience, both orally and in writing. The doctoral program promotes an exploratory and interdisciplinary approach, fostering knowledge transfer to applied contexts and strengthening the link between fundamental and applied research in environmentally relevant fields that require innovative technologies, methods, and solutions. Candidates are also trained in research project design, proposal writing, and project management in national and international settings.

The PhD program includes the following eight curricula:

1. Observation of the Universe
2. Earth and the Sun–Earth System
3. Planetary Sciences
4. Astrobiology, Life Sciences and Space Medicine
5. Space Sensing and Instrumentation
6. Satellite Platform Engineering and Technologies
7. Space Economy, Law and Diplomacy
8. Gravitational Waves and Gravitation

National PhD Program in Earth Observation

The integrated use of Earth Observation (EO), Geomatics and Geoinformation (GGI), and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has long been recognized as essential for global and continuous monitoring of our planet. This integration is crucial for environmental knowledge and protection, territorial security and sustainable development, resource and production management, population safety, and overall quality of life. A large portion of the ~250 indicators used to measure progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is based on information derived from the integration of EO, GGI, and ICT—an approach central to the activities of the UN initiative on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM). Within this context, the Copernicus program—coordinated by the European Commission in cooperation with Member States, ESA, the European Environment Agency, and other organizations—plays a key role. Copernicus provides not only free and open EO and in-situ data but, crucially, user-driven services designed to meet the needs of public authorities, organizations, and service providers. The primary objective of the National PhD Program in Earth Observation is therefore to train professionals with integrated and cross-disciplinary expertise in EO, GGI, and ICT, as well as with specific administrative, legal, and application-oriented competencies. These professionals will be able to enhance existing services and design new ones in close collaboration with current and potential end users. The program builds on the strong expertise already available in EO, GGI, and ICT within several Italian universities and public research institutions, complementing it with competencies from public authorities, publicly funded foundations, and industry partners. Integrated within the Copernicus Academy training framework, the program develops its educational and research activities across the following thematic areas:

1. methodologies, technologies, and infrastructures for the acquisition, analysis, and management of EO and geospatial data;
2. identification, analysis, and management of natural and anthropogenic risks;
3. crisis and emergency analysis and management;
4. water cycle and cryosphere, marine and coastal environment;
5. urban environment planning and management;
6. agriculture, forestry, and environmental soil management;
7. atmosphere, climate, and climate change;
8. cultural heritage and landscape;
9. legal and economic aspects of EO and geospatial data management;
10. data mining.

Strengthening Collaboration Among the Italian High Schools

Collaboration has already intensified with the establishment of the new National PhD Programs, which also involve SISSA, GSSI, and SSSA. Further partnerships will be pursued to enhance synergies among the Scuole, produce high-quality research, and obtain external funding through joint project proposals.
Based on these premises, a joint research group is expected to be developed for the study of the Earth system and sustainable development, in collaboration with 3CSA and with strong interaction with the Center itself. This initiative aims to create a unique national center of excellence in interdisciplinary research and training, involving SSSA, IUSS, and GSSI.

Outreach and Promotion of the Center’s Research Activities at the National and International Level

To promote and consolidate the role of the Center and of the National PhD Programs within the national and international research and education landscape, regular organization of seminars, workshops, and summer schools on the Center’s themes is planned. The visibility offered by future scientific discoveries—similar to past ones that generated dozens of international press releases from agencies such as NASA, ESA, and JAXA—will also be leveraged to strengthen outreach efforts through multimedia platforms and social media.