EUMETSAT moves to expand research usage of its satellite data

HQ_PR_02112020 Cooperation with science organisations will maximise the benefits to society from the data EUMETSAT satellites produce EUMETSAT will establish cooperation agreements with national research and development and science organisations to ensure the best use is made of data from its next-generation satellites through access to the best scientific expertise in the world. The organisation currently has cooperation agreements in place with operational space and meteorological satellite agencies but will expand its collaboration to include R and D and science entities. EUMETSAT stands to benefit from the extensive Earth observation scientific knowledge in non-meteorological R and D institutions by being able to provide enhanced products to its member states and other users of its data. "In a time of more frequent extreme weather events due to our changing climate, it is crucial we derive the most benefit from the extraordinary amount of data our new satellite systems will soon be delivering," EUMETSAT Director-General Phil Evans said. "The decision today by the EUMETSAT Council to adopt a framework for cooperation agreements with science organisations will help us achieve this objective by reinforcing the international and scientific network of expertise on which we rely. Through these agreements, we aim to maximise the benefits to society from the data our satellites produce." The framework will benefit the work undertaken at the national science institutions, at EUMETSAT headquarters and at the organisation's network of satellite application facilities (SAFs).