The 13th Advanced Training Course on Land Remote Sensing (Snow and Glaciers), co-organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the University of Innsbruck, took place from September 16-20, 2024, bringing together 50 participants from across Europe and beyond. The course, held in collaboration with partners FFG and ENVEO, provided a unique opportunity for PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, master’s students, and professionals to deepen their knowledge of land remote sensing, with a special focus on snow and glacier monitoring.
ESA’s Director General warmly welcomed the attendees via an online address from Paris, marking a homecoming moment for him as an alumnus of the University of Innsbruck. Over the week, participants were immersed in a comprehensive program featuring lectures and practical exercises led by top European experts. Seven ESA Mission Managers and Scientists gave insights into the status of the Copernicus current and future missions.
A key highlight of the training was a field excursion to Hintertux, where participants had the rare opportunity to explore the interior of a glacier. This hands-on experience, combined with classroom-based exercises, enhanced their understanding of glaciology and snow dynamics.
Networking was actively encouraged through participant lightning talks and social events, fostering collaborations and knowledge exchange among the attendees. Feedback collected via an anonymous online questionnaire reflected the highly positive experience of the participants, further affirming the success of the event.
This course stands as an excellent example of ESA’s commitment to supporting the next generation of Earth observation scientists and professionals.