To explore a deeper collaboration between the different actors around the space program and the Copernicus Earth Observation Program of the European Union (EU), the EU Space Networks General Assembly was held on January 24th in Brussels, Belgium.
During the meeting, the work of organizations and networks involved in consolidating and disseminating Copernicus (such as Academies or Relays) was discussed in detail. RedCLARA was the only Latin American network invited to participate in the event, where the Coordinator of Academic Networks, Laura Castellana, presented the Copernicus Academy deployment strategy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
"The Copernicus LAC Academy is a network that promotes capacity building and knowledge management in thematic areas of Earth observation, and enables collaboration between the different actors of the digital ecosystem (universities, research centers, private organizations, governments) in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, to develop skills and research to train researchers, scientists, professionals, and entrepreneurs with the right skills to take advantage of the full potential of Copernicus data and information services," explained Castellana.
The Copernicus LAC Academy has as specific objectives the development of capacities and knowledge management for the adoption of Copernicus data in new sectors; the promotion of interdisciplinary training programs that promote new skills; the articulation of efforts to provide solutions to problems related to climate change, disasters, water, and emergencies; and the visibility of successful experiences in the implementation of skills and knowledge developed and acquired with Copernicus Academy to solve the needs of the region.
The Coordinator of Academic Projects of RedCLARA also highlighted the multiple synergies between the advanced Latin American network and Copernicus, in the framework of the Earth Observation Strategy promoted in the region, in coordination with the National Research and Education Networks and with the support of other organizations and programs, such as AmeriGeo and GEO.
She also highlighted the synergies between Copernicus and the BELLA II project, both pillars of the EU-LAC Digital Alliance and the digital transformation of the region. She presented the results of two important activities that took place in the region in 2023, the Ideathon "Copernicus Innovation Challenge" and the Hackathon "Copernicus Innovation Development".
The Assembly brought together institutions, government representatives, industry and academia, and network representatives. The meeting aimed to lay the foundations for consolidating a more cohesive and forward-looking EU space community. "The future of the EU space networks is promising, bringing a common vision of an interconnected and impactful space future," states the Copernicus website.
