The Institute of Earth Systems of the University of Malta conducts Earth Observation (EO) research at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. These include the application of EO data for the detection of urban heat island effects, urban sprawling, and to develop an Environmental Justice Index for Malta.
One of its staff members, Prof. Charles Galdies, was invited as a keynote speaker for the Annual Meeting of the Mediterranean Regional Information Network (MEDRIN). MEDRIN is the regional arm of the Global Observations of Forest Cover and Land Use Dynamics (GOFC-GOLD) that is supported by both NASA and JRC.
His keynote presentation focussed on the use of Earth Observation for land cover change dynamics in Malta and related future opportunities for scientific collaboration with both MEDRIN and the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (ECoE).
The topics he presented included soil erosion studies, sustainability of historical buildings and towards increased resilience to climate change. The EO4HBCS project for example, is helping Maltese academics in the understanding of the effects of modern roof adaptations on general building behaviour and occupant well-being.
A Memorandum of Understanding between ECoE and the University of Malta is being explored as a result of this event.