Relive Φ-week 2020

Over the course of the past three days, more than 1900 people virtually attended ɸ-week 2020 and participated in over 800 meetings online discussing how Earth observation data, along with in situ measurements, advanced models and artificial intelligence, can contribute to the concept of Digital Twin Earth – an interactive digital replica of our planet.

The event kicked off with an exciting announcement from ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Josef Aschbacher, on quantum computing, updates on the ɸ-sat-1 mission and inspiring statements from ECMWF’S Director General, Florence Rabier, European Commission’s Deputy Director General for Defence Industry and Space, Pierre Delsaux, as well as Director General of DG CONNECT at the European Commission, Roberto Viola.

Speaking on the importance of Digital Twin Earth, Josef Aschbacher, said, “A Digital Twin Earth replica of Europe could provide key information for policy makers to reach the 55% cut in emissions announced recently by the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen."

Nicolaus Hanowski, ESA’s Head of Mission Management & Ground Segment Department, added “For me, ɸ-week is a stunning showcase of relevant and powerful ideas and assets - the challenge is to harness all this into a convergent approach to avoid fragmentation and to realise top-priority applications as soon as possible.

“Personally, I was surprised to see how much we can still learn from Environmental Data Management approaches which are not directly related to satellite-based Earth Observation.”

Although the plenary sessions have concluded, several side events will continue for the remainder of the week where additional discussions will take place. For more details, visit the Φ-week event website.

Digital Twin Earth Perspectives

AI for Digital Twin Earth

Digital Twin Earth Experiences in the World

Infrastructure for Digital Twin Earth

Downstream Industry for Digital Twin Earth I

Earth System in the Digital Twin Earth

Digital Twin Earth Precursor Activities

Downstream Industry for Digital Twin Earth – II