GIONET

GMES Initial Operations-Network for Earth Observation Research Training
(EU-FP7-ITN)

GIONET is a European Centre of Excellence for Earth Observation Research Training, supported by the European Commission Marie Curie Programme. GIONET finished in December 2014 for more information please visit the project website.

The University of Leicester is home to one of the world’s leading centres for space research and satellite monitoring, and is the lead institution of GIONET (GMES Initial Operations - Network for Earth Observation Research Training). GIONET is a European Centre of Excellence for Earth Observation Research Training, supported by the European Commission Marie Curie Programme. It has 7 full partners and 4 associated partners from a range of European countries, with participation from Universities, research institutes and companies. GIONET is training 14 early-stage researchers (PhD level) who are developing better methods for observing and controlling deforestation, using satellite monitoring for disaster relief after landslides and floods, monitoring climate change, measuring lake water quality and coastal erosion.

The European GMES programme (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) is in the GMES Initial Operations (GIO) period (2011-2013). GIONET will satisfy the strong demand for highly skilled researchers with satellite remote sensing expertise, both in the private sector and in Universities. The monitoring methods developed in GIONET will also benefit the economy, and the project is designed to have a strong collaboration between academics and private companies to achieve a lasting research impact. Four open international summer schools will be held, which are open to external participants. GIONET addresses the research themes of Land cover and change, Geohazards and Emergency Response, Forest monitoring, Climate adaptation and Coastal Zone and Freshwater Monitoring.