Alexandru Dandocsi | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alexandru Dandocsi | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award 

Recognised Research at National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics – INOE2000, Romania

Dr. Alexandru Marius Dandocsi is a leading researcher in atmospheric science with expertise in passive remote sensing, Earth observation, and environmental data analysis. He has worked across top institutions including the National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics, the European Space Agency, and the European Commission. His work spans scientific algorithm development, satellite validation, and the integration of remote sensing data into environmental policy frameworks. He has contributed to key European initiatives such as Horizon Europe and the European Green Deal, and is a core member of ACTRIS and other global research infrastructures. Dr. Dandocsi has participated in numerous international field campaigns, workshops, and scientific conferences, showcasing both his technical skills and leadership capabilities. With an impressive list of peer-reviewed publications and collaborative projects, he stands out as a multidisciplinary scientist whose work bridges science, technology, and policy. His career reflects a strong commitment to research excellence and global environmental advancement.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Alexandru Dandocsi completed his higher education in Romania, earning his PhD in Physics from the University Politehnica of Bucharest. His doctoral research focused on passive remote sensing methods for the retrieval of atmospheric gas concentrations, using instruments such as FTIR and MAX-DOAS. His thesis, written in Romanian, explored advanced methodologies to measure gas density in the atmosphere using optical remote sensing techniques. He graduated with the highest distinction, summa cum laude, which reflects his academic excellence and deep engagement with his field. His education laid a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of atmospheric physics and satellite remote sensing. Throughout his academic journey, he developed expertise in data analysis, radiative transfer modeling, and algorithm development. His educational background has been integral to his contributions to international research projects and policy-supporting scientific assessments. Dr. Dandocsi’s academic training continues to drive his innovative work in environmental monitoring and climate science.

Professional Experience

Dr. Dandocsi’s professional experience spans over a decade in high-impact roles within leading scientific institutions in Romania and across Europe. He began his career at the National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics as a junior scientist, where he developed strong technical skills in operating and analyzing data from passive remote sensing instruments. He later served as a Research Fellow at the European Space Agency, where he contributed to satellite mission support, algorithm development, and coordination of scientific activities under ESA’s atmospheric research initiatives. His appointment as a Seconded National Expert at the European Commission further solidified his influence, allowing him to shape environmental policy and research agendas in alignment with EU space and sustainability objectives. Currently, he is a Recognised Researcher continuing his scientific contributions at the national and international level. Dr. Dandocsi’s career reflects a continuous upward trajectory marked by collaboration, innovation, and service to scientific advancement and environmental governance.

Research Interest

Dr. Alexandru Dandocsi’s research interests lie at the intersection of atmospheric science, environmental monitoring, and remote sensing technology. He is particularly focused on the development and validation of retrieval algorithms for passive remote sensing instruments, such as FTIR, MAX-DOAS, and solar/lunar photometers. He actively works on the integration of satellite-based data with ground-based observations to improve the accuracy of atmospheric gas measurements and aerosol characterization. His interests extend to studying the impact of human activities on air quality and climate, including assessments of greenhouse gas emissions and aerosol dynamics. He is also involved in developing tools for the calibration and validation of satellite missions such as Sentinel-5P and Aeolus, contributing to global networks like ACTRIS and EuroGEO. His interdisciplinary work bridges environmental science, physics, and data analysis, offering valuable insights for climate policy and scientific research. His work supports initiatives such as the European Green Deal and Horizon Europe.

Award and Honor

Dr. Alexandru Dandocsi has earned recognition within the scientific community for his contributions to Earth observation and atmospheric research. These competitive and prestigious positions are granted only to highly skilled scientists with proven research excellence and cross-disciplinary collaboration experience. His role in helping shape EU research and innovation policies related to the environment further highlights the trust placed in his scientific expertise. Additionally, his invitation to present at numerous international conferences and his involvement in ESA and Horizon Europe projects underline the respect he commands in the scientific field. His publications in high-impact journals and collaborations with international networks also speak to the recognition and value of his ongoing research contributions.

Research Skill

Dr. Dandocsi possesses a broad and advanced range of research skills developed through years of experience in satellite remote sensing and atmospheric science. He is proficient in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB, which he uses extensively for data analysis, algorithm development, and modeling. His technical expertise includes operating complex ground-based instruments such as FTIR, MAX-DOAS, and sun photometers, as well as analyzing data from satellite missions like TROPOMI and Aeolus. He has experience with designing and implementing scientific field campaigns, including technical preparations and instrument deployment. Dr. Dandocsi is also skilled in the development of calibration and validation procedures for remote sensing products, quality assurance assessment of scientific data, and interpretation of multi-source environmental observations. His ability to work with large datasets, combined with his understanding of atmospheric physics, makes him highly effective in applied research. He also demonstrates strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in cross-border collaborative projects.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Quantifying CH₄ emissions from hard coal mines using mobile sun-viewing Fourier transform spectrometry
Authors: A. Luther, R. Kleinschek, L. Scheidweiler, S. Defratyka, M. Stanisavljevic, …
Year: 2019
Citations: 70

Title: Multiyear typology of long-range transported aerosols over Europe
Authors: V. Nicolae, C. Talianu, S. Andrei, B. Antonescu, D. Ene, D. Nicolae, …
Year: 2019
Citations: 28

Title: Observational constraints on methane emissions from Polish coal mines using a ground-based remote sensing network
Authors: A. Luther, J. Kostinek, R. Kleinschek, S. Defratyka, M. Stanisavljević, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 27

Title: Online Chemical Characterization and Source Identification of Summer and Winter Aerosols in Măgurele, Romania
Authors: L. Mărmureanu, J. Vasilescu, J. Slowik, A.S.H. Prévôt, C.A. Marin, B. Antonescu, …
Year: 2020
Citations: 20

Title: Wintertime variations of gaseous atmospheric constituents in Bucharest peri-Urban area
Authors: C.A. Marin, L. Mărmureanu, C. Radu, A. Dandocsi, C. Stan, F. Ţoancă, …
Year: 2019
Citations: 15

Title: High potential for CH₄ emission mitigation from oil infrastructure in one of EU’s major production regions
Authors: F. Stavropoulou, K. Vinković, B. Kers, M. de Vries, S. van Heuven, P. Korbeń, …
Year: 2023
Citations: 14

Title: Extended aerosol and surface characterization from S5P/TROPOMI with GRASP algorithm. Part I: Conditions, approaches, performance and new possibilities
Authors: P. Litvinov, C. Chen, O. Dubovik, L. Bindreiter, C. Matar, D. Fuertes, A. Lopatin, …
Year: 2024
Citations: 8

Title: The impact of using assimilated Aeolus wind data on regional WRF-Chem dust simulations
Authors: P. Kiriakidis, A. Gkikas, G. Papangelis, T. Christoudias, J. Kushta, …
Year: 2023
Citations: 8

Title: Independent retrieval of aerosol type from lidar
Authors: D. Nicolae, J. Vasilescu, C. Talianu, A. Dandocsi
Year: 2016
Citations: 7

Title: Extended aerosol and surface characterization from S5P/TROPOMI with GRASP algorithm. Part II: Global validation and Intercomparison
Authors: C. Chen, P. Litvinov, O. Dubovik, L. Bindreiter, C. Matar, D. Fuertes, A. Lopatin, …
Year: 2024
Citations: 6

Conclusion

Dr. Alexandru Marius Dandocsi is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to atmospheric science and Earth observation. His work on passive remote sensing, satellite validation, and environmental monitoring has significantly advanced scientific understanding and supported critical environmental policies at the European level. Through active participation in international research initiatives and impactful publications, he has demonstrated both academic excellence and societal relevance. With his proven expertise, collaborative mindset, and growing leadership experience, Dr. Dandocsi holds strong potential to drive future innovations and play a key role in shaping global environmental research and policy.

Mr. Zitong Wen | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Publications

How can we improve data integration to enhance urban air temperature estimations?

  • Author: Zitong Wen, Lu Zhuo, Meiling Gao, Dawei Han
  • Journal: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
  • Year: 2025

Potential methods to improve urban air temperature estimations

  • Author: Zitong Wen, Lu Zhuo, Dawei Han
  • Journal: AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
  • Year: 2024

Data fusion for estimating high-resolution urban heatwave air temperature

  • Author: Zitong Wen, Lu Zhuo, Qin Wang, Jiao Wang, Ying Liu, Sichan Du, Ahmed Abdelhalim, Dawei Han
  • Journal: Remote Sensing
  • Year: 2023

Estimating air temperature with high spatio-temporal resolution in urban areas during heatwaves using genetic programming algorithm combined with multi-source datasets

  • Author: Zitong Wen, Lu Zhuo, Qin Wang, Dawei Han
  • Journal: EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts
  • Year: 2023

Rapid Flood inundation mapping using SAR data with Google Earth Engine cloud platform

  • Author: Qin Wang, Lu Zhuo, Chen Li, Miguel Rico-Ramirez, Zitong Wen, Dawei Han
  • Journal: EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts
  • Year: 2023

Prof. Nourelislam Bachari | Remote Sensing | Academic Advancement Award

Prof. Nourelislam Bachari | Remote Sensing | Academic Advancement Award

Professor at University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumedien, Algeria

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Prof. Bachir Nouri is a prominent figure in the field of marine science and remote sensing, serving as the Director of the Laboratory of Biological Oceanography and the Marine Environment (LOBEM) at the University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumedien (USTHB), Algiers, Algeria. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Dr. Nouri has made significant contributions to the study of marine environments and spatial oceanography.

Education

  • PhD in Radiation-Matter: Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO-MB), April 11, 1999.
  • Grade Professor: Appointed as University Professor on November 22, 2004.

🔬 Professional Experience

  • Remote Sensing Laboratory (L.A.A.R), U.S.T. Oran (2000-2010): Led research in remote sensing.
  • Spatial Oceanography Laboratory (L.O.B.E.M), U.S.T.H.B (2010-present): Focuses on spatial oceanography.
  • Laboratory Director, L.O.B.E.M (2022-present): Oversees research and operations at the laboratory.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

  • Russian Academy of Sciences (2018): Honored for outstanding scientific contributions.
  • Best Oral Communication and Best Poster Publication at a conference in Tunisia (2019).

💼 Project Management and Contributions

  • PNR Projects (2012): Development of a Solar Information System and Modeling of Multisource Data for studying small pelagics.
  • ONED CC 43 (2012-2014): System for managing and analyzing multisource data for monitoring soil-atmosphere interactions.
  • CNEPRU Projects: Various initiatives on fishery resources, climate variability, and the creation of geographic information systems for the Algerian coast.
  • Recent Projects: Development of a multi-application GIS for studying the marine environment and updated marine charts for the Algerian coast.

🛠️ Achievements

  • Marine Weather Station Development (Patent): 2023.
  • Algerian Coast Information System SIGLA: 2023.
  • Software Development for Satellite Image Processing (PCSATWIN)

 

Publications

Methodology for Monitoring Silting and the Coastline of Small Ports Using Sentinel-2 Images: The Case of Port Cap Djinet Algeria

  • Authors: Hocine Dahmani, Fouzia Houma Bachari, François Marin, Nourelislam Bachari
  • Journal: Remote Sensing
  • Year: 2024

Mr. Rotimi Obateru | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rotimi Obateru-Remote Sensing-Best Researcher Award

Rotimi Obateru at Federal University of Technology, Nigeria

Professional Profile

Summary:

Mr. Rotimi Oluseyi Obateru is a dedicated PhD researcher specializing in Climate Change and Human Habitat at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, under the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL). With a strong academic foundation in Geography and Environmental Management, Mr. Obateru’s research focuses on assessing landscape structure changes and their impact on ecosystem services in the face of climate change across West African ecological regions. His work aims to address the environmental challenges driven by urban expansion, population growth, and climate change, striving to contribute towards sustainable solutions for the region.

👩‍🎓Education:

Mr. Obateru holds a B.Sc. in Geography (First Class Honours, 2016), an M.Sc. in Physical Geography (2019), and an M.Sc. in Environmental Management (2021), all from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Climate Change and Human Habitat at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.

Professional Experience:

Since July 2021, Mr. Obateru has been an Assistant Lecturer in Physical Geography at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he actively participates in international academic initiatives, such as the Bochum Urban Climate Summer School (BUCSS22) at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, which he attended in September 2022.

Research Interest:

Mr. Obateru’s research interests lie in Physical Geography, Landscape Ecology, and Climate Change. His notable study, “Community-based assessment of the dynamics of urban landscape characteristics and ecosystem services in the rainforest and guinea savanna ecoregions of Nigeria,” integrates geospatial techniques with socioeconomic surveys to explore urban landscape changes. This groundbreaking research aims to bridge the gap between satellite observation and the socio-environmental realities of urban residents, contributing valuable insights towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.

Publications Top Noted:

Title: Community-based assessment of the dynamics of urban landscape characteristics and ecosystem services in the rainforest and guinea savanna ecoregions of Nigeria

  • Authors: Rotimi Oluseyi Obateru, Appollonia Aimiosino Okhimamhe, Olutoyin Adeola Fashae, Emmanuel Aweda, Deirdre Dragovich, Christopher Conrad
  • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
  • Year: 2024

Title: Water availability in a Nigerian sub-catchment of River Niger and its implications for food security

  • Authors: Rotimi Oluseyi Obateru, Olayinka O Ogunkoya, Dickson’D Ajayi
  • Journal: African Geographical Review
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 2

Title: Hydraulic geometry influences some water quality parameters in a tropical headwater basin in southwestern Nigeria

  • Authors:Rotimi Oluseyi Obateru, Olutoyin Adeola Fashae, Oluwatobiloba Isioma Osakunih, Adeyemi Oludapo Olusola
  • Journal: Acta Geophysica
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 1

Title: Drought assessment and rainfall trend analysis in southwestern Nigeria

  • Authors: Rotimi Oluseyi Obateru, Adewale O Adeyefa, Olutoyin Adeola Fashae
  • Journal:World Water Policy
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 1

Title: Factors controlling gully morphology on the quartzite ridges of Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Authors:Olutoyin Fashae, Rotimi Obateru, Adeyemi Olusola, Deirdre Dragovich
  • Journal: Catena
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 19