The EO Excellence Award is more than just recognition – it honours visionary research, groundbreaking innovations, and remarkable contributions to Earth Observation (EO). Each year, this prestigious award celebrates outstanding scientists and teams whose work is reshaping our understanding of the planet.
As always, the competition was global, reflecting the international nature of EO research. The nominees’ innovative work pushes the boundaries of science and technology, shaping the future of how we monitor and study Earth. This year, after a rigorous selection process, two outstanding winners were chosen, exemplifying excellence in the field.
Selecting the winners was no easy task, given the exceptional quality of the nominees. The final decision was made following a thorough evaluation by the European Space Science Committee (ESSC) of the European Science Foundation. After careful consideration, the most outstanding contributions were recognised, showcasing the extraordinary talent shaping the future of Earth observation.
Meet the 2024 EO Excellence Award Winners
Individual Award: Dr Marcello Passaro, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
Transforming Coastal Altimetry
Dr Marcello Passaro has pioneered advanced algorithms to tackle the challenges of measuring sea level changes and wave heights in coastal regions. His innovative approach, Adaptive Leading Edge Subset (ALES), has greatly improved the accuracy of coastal altimetry data, allowing for precise measurements near the shore while maintaining data quality in the open ocean.
His work has led to the development of global, multi-mission altimetry products, including the eXtended TRACKing (XTRACK) and ALES dataset, which have provided unprecedented insights into sea level rise in coastal areas. Marcello’s research has advanced oceanography, climate science, and coastal engineering, offering new understanding of sea level trends, tidal modelling, and wave energy distribution.
Team Award: The Decentralized Damage Mapping Group (DDMG) – Dr Eoghan Darbyshire, Conflict and Environment Observatory, UK; Team Lead Dr Lina Eklund, Lund University, Sweden; Dr Marie Schellens, Pax for Peace, The Netherlands; Dr Corey Scher and Dr Jamon Van Den Hoek, both Oregon State University, USA
Mapping Conflict-Related Damage with EO Data
The DDMG is a pioneering initiative using Earth Observation data to assess the environmental impact of conflicts and disasters. By harnessing satellite data from ESA’s Copernicus programme, the team has mapped urban and agricultural damage in conflict-affected regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Their work provides real-time, critical information for humanitarian efforts and post-conflict recovery. The group’s innovative use of EO data, combined with artificial intelligence for damage detection, is transforming how we assess and communicate the environmental consequences of armed conflicts, supporting better decision-making in disaster response and recovery.
This year’s nominees have truly raised the bar with their dedication, creativity, and scientific breakthroughs. Their work is not just about advancing our understanding of Earth - it’s about pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of researchers to do the same. It’s an honour to recognise their achievements, and I look forward to seeing how they take their winning research even further with ESA’s support.
The EO Excellence Award not only celebrates excellence but also embraces innovation, transforming how we explore and monitor our planet. We look forward to the next groundbreaking discoveries from the next generation of EO researchers!
What’s Next?
📅 The Award Ceremony will take place on 25 June 2025 during the ESA Living Planet Symposium 2025 in Vienna.
🚀 The next round of the EO Excellence Award will launch in autumn 2025.
🔍 Stay updated: eoxcellence.com
Want to know how the award has impacted past winners? Read their stories and see how this recognition has shaped their careers: eoxcellence.com/hall-of-fame
