Last 28 May 2025 marked a milestone for Earth Observation (EO) education in Europe with the inauguration of a new inter-faculties centre at Charles University in Prague, bringing together high-level representatives from the Czech Republic, Italy, and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Francesco Sarti represented ESA and presented the agency’s education activities in Earth observation at the event, hosted by the Faculty of Science of Charles University. The occasion also welcomed the Rector of Charles University, several representatives of the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic, representatives of the City of Prague, of ASI (Italian Space Agency) and the Italian Embassy in Prague. The event was covered by Czech TV, with broadcast reports reaching national audiences and feature articles published by Charles University and local science media outlets.
Česká televize coverage (Czech)
Charles University Faculty of Science article (Czech)
ESA EO Training Academy
During his presentation, Sarti highlighted the educational impact of ESA’s initiatives in the region, particularly in the context of a recently awarded contract to Charles University, which now leads the pan-European ESA EO Training Academy. This initiative will coordinate and deliver Earth Observation training activities across Europe over the next three years, reinforcing capacity-building and innovation in the EO domain.
ESA’s efforts extend beyond higher education to younger generations through initiatives like the ESA Czech ESERO project. These programs are designed to foster interdisciplinary learning and increase interest in STEM subjects across all educational levels.
“ESA’s collaboration with Czech institutions is setting a strong foundation for the next generation of EO scientists and professionals,” said Francesco Sarti. “It’s exciting to see Prague become a vibrant hub for EO education in Europe.”
A warm reception and a promising future
Following the event, Charles University conveyed enthusiastic feedback to ESA, calling the meeting a “big success.” University representatives emphasized how ESA’s involvement and visibility will be crucial in strengthening EO research, teaching, and innovation in the Czech Republic.
This new centre, and the growing collaboration between ESA and Czech academic and governmental institutions, marks a significant step forward in Europe’s commitment to EO education, sustainability, and scientific excellence.
Featured image : The director of the Space Activities and New Technologies Department of the Ministry of Transport Václav Kobera, the scientific coordinator of the educational and training activities of the European Space Agency Francesco Sarti, the coordinator of the project Přemysl Štych, the vice-dean of the Faculty of Science of the Charles University for Science and Research, Tomáš Cajthaml, the rector of the Charles University Milena Králíčková and Marie Němečková (CzechInvest) (left to right).