What happens when science meets grilled goodness and great company? A perfect summer evening — and that’s exactly what we had at our annual Summer BBQ on July 24th!
Kicking off at 4 pm under surprisingly sunny skies and a relaxed atmosphere, this year’s event blended the best of both worlds: inspiring research talks and informal socializing. Colleagues, students, and friends from across the Earth Observation and environmental science community came together to share knowledge, laughter, and more than a few veggie skewers.
We were treated to a series of engaging lightning talks, showcasing the diversity and depth of EO-related research:
🌍 “The Earth from an Animal’s Perspective: Environmental Monitoring with ICARUS”
Gregor Langer (CEO, Talos) took us into the world of satellite-based wildlife tracking — a fascinating look at how we can monitor the planet through the movements of animals.
🌋 “Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Research in South America”
Elisabeth Schöpfer (DLR GZS) shared eye-opening insights into how EO data is helping mitigate disaster risks across the globe, with a special focus on South America.
🌳 “Use of Simultaneously Registered Airborne Photography and LIDAR Data for the Assessment of Beech Decline”
Rudolf Seitz (LWF) gave us a glimpse into the AirLaserSpec project, showcasing innovative methods for assessing forest health — one laser pulse at a time.
🛰️ “EAGLE LPS (Legendary Party Symposium): From Scene Segmentation to Personal Contemplation”
Marlene Bauer & Lukas Fronzeck wrapped up the session with a witty and thoughtful reflection on the EAGLE community’s evolution — where machine learning meets musings on purpose and parties.
With minds buzzing and appetites whetted, we lit the BBQ and transitioned into an evening of delicious food, cold drinks, and warm conversations. As the sun set, the laughter got louder, the stories longer, and the connections deeper.
Whether you came for the talks, the tofu, or the tunes — thank you for making this summer gathering such a memorable one. We’re already looking forward to next year!
