Montenegrin delegation takes part in the conference of the European Space Agency

The Director General for scientific research activities in the Ministry of Science, Dr Darko Petrušić, and representatives of Montenegrin universities have taken part in the conference of the European Space Agency (ESA), held on 11-12 December 2018 in Rome, Italy.

The conference aimed to define a roadmap for a Mediterranean initiative within ESA’s Earth Observation Science for Society Programme Element, encompassing topics such as atmosphere, oceanography, climate and land research and applications, in which the application of new scientific and technical solutions is possible.

At the conference, Dr. Petrušić has presented the status of the scientific activities currently implemented in Montenegro, priority research areas, as well as potential projects where cooperation with the Agency is possible. This is especially important for our scientific community, which will, with the mediation and support of the Ministry of Science, be provided with the opportunity to use ESA resources. Dr. Petrušić emphasised the importance of satellite observation in urban planning, in order to control the construction, prevent the devastation of space and to protect nature.

Director Petrušić has also had a meeting with ESA representatives, during which concrete activities have been considered with a view to involving Montenegrin students in trainings organised by the Agency more intensively, as well as the possibility of organising a regional workshop in Montenegro.

Maja Lakićević-Žarić, MSc, and Dr. Tatjana Koprivica from the University of Montenegro have held a presentation in the field of compressed sensing and archaeological research of the old Roman city of Duklja.

Montenegrin delegation has also visited an artificial intelligence laboratory, where they discussed the possible application of an innovative algorithm underpinning the compressed sensing system. This algorithm has been largely developed through a grant from the HERIC project, funded by the Ministry of Science.

The delegation has also included a representative of the University of Donja Gorica, Dr. Biljana Stamatović.

ESA has 22 Member States, with about 2,200 scientists. The budget of the Agency for 2017 amounted to EUR 5.75 billion, of which 80 percent is intended for investment in industry.

The Mediterranean Sea region is surrounded by 22 countries, ESA Member States, which together share a coastline of 46000 km. About 250 million people resides in coastal hydrological basins and a 50% population growth was reported in the past 20 years.

Fragility and vulnerability of the Mediterranean system is well known and since the 70’s international efforts have been ongoing to protect it. In this context, Earth Observation represents an opportunity for innovative science, applications and information services to face some of these issues, as well as to boost innovation and growth in the region.