Between 9–13 March 2026, Rome became a hub for advanced Earth observation research as the EXPERT Advanced Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Training took place at the headquarters of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The five-day programme brought together researchers and experts from the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA), ASI, and partner institutions, creating a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The training focused on cutting-edge methods and applications in hyperspectral remote sensing, with a strong emphasis on practical data analysis. Participants worked extensively with satellite data, particularly from the PRISMA mission, gaining hands-on experience in extracting detailed information about environmental processes, land surfaces, and human activity.
From Theory to Practice
Through a combination of lectures, guided tutorials, and applied exercises, the programme bridged theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Participants explored a wide range of methodologies, including:
- Retrieval of water quality parameters using PRISMA hyperspectral data
- Estimation of crop traits and agricultural monitoring from satellite imagery
- Co-registration of PRISMA and EnMAP datasets using HyperCoreg for time-series analysis
- Archaeological prospection through the integration of hyperspectral and multispectral data with machine learning techniques
- Detection of active landscape fires using hyperspectral observations
A key component of the training was the use of EXPERT datasets over Romanian sites. This allowed participants to directly apply the analytical workflows introduced during the sessions and to explore concrete research applications relevant to national priorities.
Expertise Driving the Programme
The training was delivered by leading specialists in hyperspectral remote sensing, whose contributions ensured both scientific depth and practical relevance. Among the trainers were Claudia Giardino, Alice Fabbretto, Mirco Boschetti, Emanuele Spirito, and Lorenzo Parigi from CNR-IREA, as well as Giacomo Lazzeri and José Antonio Gamez Garcia from ASI.
The programme also included contributions from Arianna Traviglia, Giulio Poggi, and Sara Ferro from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, alongside Stefania Amici from the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), further expanding the interdisciplinary perspective of the training.
Strengthening Collaboration within the EXPERT Project
Beyond the technical sessions, the week provided a valuable platform for collaboration within the EXPERT consortium. Researchers and participants engaged in discussions, shared insights, and identified opportunities for future work, strengthening the network built around hyperspectral remote sensing in Europe.
The project benefits from the continued involvement of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), whose expertise supports the overall objectives of the initiative. The collaboration between ROSA, ASI, and DLR highlights the importance of European partnerships in advancing scientific excellence and innovation.
