BrainMap

Mr. Livio Belegante

PhD

Senior Scientist - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: AFQ-4099-2022

Curriculum Vitae (07/03/2022)

Expertise & keywords

Research Infrastructures Services Reinforcing Air Quality Monitoring Capacities in European Urban & Industrial AreaS (RI-URBANS) Call name: EC - H2020
H2020-237082-101036245 2021 - 2025

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institution

Project partners: AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (ES); LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE); VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK N.V. (BE); UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI (PL); HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (FI); FEDERAL STATE BUDGETARY INSTITUTIONOF SCIENCE ST. PETERSBURG FEDERALRESEARCH CENTER OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (RU); IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE (GB); FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBH (DE); NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO (NL); SAINT PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY (RU); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 (RO); INSTITUT NATIONAL DE L ENVIRONNEMENT INDUSTRIEL ET DES RISQUES - INERIS (FR); FUNDACION PRIVADA INSTITUTO DE SALUD GLOBAL BARCELONA (ES); THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (GB); IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS (GR); STIFTELSEN NILU (NO); INSTITUT MINES-TELECOM (FR); CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (IT); KONINKLIJK NEDERLANDS METEOROLOGISCH INSTITUUT-KNMI (NL); ILMATIETEEN LAITOS (FI); PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT (CH); METEOROLOGISK INSTITUTT (NO); ETHNIKO ASTEROSKOPEIO ATHINON (GR); UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT (NL); CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS (FR); M.V. LOMONOSOV MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY (RU); EIDGENOSSISCHE MATERIALPRUFUNGS- UND FORSCHUNGSANSTALT (CH); BARCELONA SUPERCOMPUTING CENTER CENTRO NACIONAL DE SUPERCOMPUTACION (ES); JRC -JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE- EUROPEAN COMMISSION (BE); ACTRIS ERIC (FI); COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES (FR); "NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ""DEMOKRITOS""" (GR); ECOLE NATIONALE DES PONTS ET CHAUSSEES (FR); UNIVERSITE PARIS XII VAL DE MARNE (FR); UNIVERSITE PAUL SABATIER TOULOUSE III (FR); INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT (FR); TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT (NL); SORBONNE UNIVERSITE (FR)

Affiliation: LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER TROPOSPHAERENFORSCHUNG e.V. (DE)

Project website: https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e5fc688f59&appId=PPGMS

Abstract:

Dual telescope module for clear air turbulence detection - DETECT Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2088 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/264/proiect-detect

Abstract:

One of the missing developments in air transport services (for passengers and cargo) is related to the need to detect and avoid Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) events that may occur at high altitudes during airline flights. The project aims the development of an experimental prototype for the detection of air turbulences used in airline operation. The technique used for the development of this module is called backscatter amplification effect and the technology developed within the project will be of real interest both for airline companies and also for the private sector aiming to develop this product for future marketing purposes.

Development of the lidar calibration capacities at the ACTRIS Centre for Aerosol Remote Sensing Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0714 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/265/proiect-licars

Abstract:

The Aerosol, Clouds and Trace gases Research InfraStructure (ACTRIS) is a pan-European distributed research infrastructure with the mission to provide information and knowledge on short-lived atmospheric constituents, which have a direct impact on climate and air quality. ACTRIS was included on the ESFRI 2016 roadmap. The specific mission of the Lidar Unit in ACTRIS (at INOE) is to provide support to National Facilities operating aerosol high-power lidars. In this context, the goal of LiCARS project is to implement the capacities and services of the Lidar Unit by: a) elaboration of Standard Operation Procedures for the aerosol high-power lidar, as the base for the QA/QC program; b) establishing standard procedures for direct comparison with reference instruments for the assessment of overall system’s performance; c) elaboration of laboratory procedures and experimental setups for quantifying major sources of biases; d) development of software tools to facilitate the control of the quality of the measurements.

LiCARS team will take over the long-term responsibilities of the Lidar Unit. The contribution of the project leader to technically-challenging contracts in H2020 and with ESA was acknowledged by ACTRIS community, who nominated him as the Head of the Lidar Unit.

Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure Implementation Project Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2020-0016 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/263/about-actris-imp

Abstract:

ACTRIS IMP (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure Implementation Project) is a project funded by the European Commission through the Research Program Horizon 2020 (Grant No. 871115 - ACTRIS IMP - H2020-INFRADEV-2018-2020 / H2020-INFRADEV-2019-2). The duration of the project is four years starting January 1, 2020. ACTRIS IMP project comes as a result of the predecessor ACTRIS PPP which made the transition from a network of project-based research centers to a centralized pan-European research infrastructure, by involving both research organizations and funding bodies and ministries to support ACTRIS infrastructure. Main objective of ACTRIS PPP project is to develop the research infrastructure in terms of organization, operationalization and strategic principles have been defined within ACTRIS PPP, and will be implemented within ACTRIS IMP. This project aims to develop ACTRIS towards a new level of maturity by establishing the necessary coordination structures for coherent implementation actions, which can be implemented both at national and European level.

PROfiling the atmospheric Boundary layer at European scale Call name:
CA 18235 2019 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD ()

Project website: http://www.probe-cost.eu/

Abstract:

The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is the layer closest to the Earth's surface within which

most human activities take place. The vertical profile of atmospheric thermodynamic

parameters in the ABL impact weather, air quality, and climate. Surface sensor networks and

satellite observations do not provide sufficient information on the high temporal variability and

strong vertical gradients experienced in the ABL. Thus, despite its importance, ABL remains

the single most important under-sampled part of the atmosphere. This observational gap

currently hampers our ability to improve weather forecasts, air quality prediction, and climate

model parameterization. However, this gap is mainly due to the lack of S&T networking and

coordination. In fact, state-of-the-art ground-based remote sensing instruments able to provide

ABL profiles (such as temperature, humidity, wind, aerosol, cloud) are currently deployed at

numerous sites in Europe, but the harmonization of data and procedures is missing, limiting

the effective use and societal benefits of the existing ABL profiling data. This Action aims to fill

this gap, bridging user needs and the S&T expertise residing in industry and academia. This

will be achieved through:

- Capacity building of instrument operators to improve the use of state-of-the-art ABL profiling

instruments;

- Fostering coordination between operational agencies and academia to tailor measurement

networks for well identified applications;

- Enhancing pan-European research coordination to develop new products and tools for data

assimilation and long-time series reanalysis;

- Identifying knowledge brokers enabling rapid exchange between academia, operational

agencies, industry and end-users to ensure full exploitation for societal benefit.

Comprehensive Approach to support Precision Agriculture and environmental management through satellite technologies and classic methods of investigation Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3495 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/253/about-capa

Abstract:

The project ‘Comprehensive Approach to support Precision Agriculture and environmental management through satellite technologies and classic methods of investigation – CAPA’, addresses a major direction of the 21st century, namely, smart agriculture, bringing new insights into how the climate affects the phenological cycle of crops (through the occurrence of extreme events) and it also contributes to understanding the role of different air pollutants (such as greenhouse gases) in crop development. The project proposes the realization of synergies of the scientific activities integrating data on the complex eco-agro-system-culture relations, obtained by applying a conglomerate of methods and techniques (space technologies, the study of pollutants at the level of air, water, soil and plants), for a modern management of agricultural crops, in the context of intelligent agriculture. At the international level, smart agriculture is also based on the optimized management of the inputs according to the real needs of the crops, for their management and the reduction of the use of fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides and water resources. At the national level, the exploitation of satellite records in the field of agricultural management has not yet a significant spread, being used mainly in applications dedicated to environmental protection, forestry, territorial planning or in the military field. In this context, the project proposes the application and integration of spatial technologies together with in situ and ex situ analyses in the intelligent management of agriculture to monitor certain types of agricultural crops (from a pilot site), thus allowing the development of a successful model for better capitalization. of available resources.

Aerosol climatology - from remote sensing measurements to deep learning Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2278 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/254/clara

Abstract:

The goal of the project is to develop an advanced aerosol climatology for Romania, starting from a pilot region centered on Bucharest area, covering the full period (2010 – present) of aerosol remote sensing and in-situ measurements from Romanian Atmospheric Research 3D Observatory (RADO), Bucharest-Magurele, using an expert analysis complemented with state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. The RADO measurements for this area will be supplemented by satellite measurements and improved modelling results.

The project is a collaboration of the National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics (INOE), Remote Sensing Department, and the Politehnica University of Bucharest (UPB), SpeeD Research Laboratory.

In the proposed project, the PT-PCCA-2013-4-1798 project MOBBE (“Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact”) concept will be improved, extended to the most common tropospheric aerosols and complemented with a machine learning analysis. The project proposes innovative concepts, including synergistic expert analysis and deep learning techniques, fulfilling also the Romanian Smart Specialization Strategy on Analysis, Management and Security of Big Data. Extending the biomass burning aerosol climatology to all tropospheric aerosols, the project will improve significantly the characterization of aerosols and their impact on climate, air quality and cloud-precipitation processes, moving from experimental level (MOBBE) to a higher technological maturity level (validated technology in the laboratory). The validated results will be made available for use in other studies of the impact of aerosols on climate. The project outcomes will also contribute conceptually to the Copernicus effort to assimilate the ground-based remote-sensing measurements in Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

HERA LIDAR ENGINEERING MODEL ALTIMETER Call name:
ESA funded 4000125526/18/NL/AR/zk 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: EFACEC

Project partners: EFACEC (); ALMILAR (); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD ()

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/243/about-helena

Abstract:

HELENA aims the development of a lidar engineering model (EM) altimeter for current and future ESA AIM missions. The project is primary focused on the development of an altimeter for the HERA mission, based on a Model developed by EFACEC , Portugal in the frame of an ESA project. The laser source of this altimeter is a compact low power consumption microchip laser that emits 1.5μm light pulses. This laser technology enables rangefinder compact designs. HELENA main design requirements are a measurement range of 14 km to 500m, an accuracy of 0.5m and mass below 1.5kg. The project aims several activities related to the design of the engineering model, manufacturing, testing, verification and validation.

Atmospheric Composition Uncertainty Field Studies Call name:
ESA Contract No. 4000128426/19/NL/FF/ab 2019 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE AEROSPATIALA "ELIE CARAFOLI" - I.N.C.A.S. BUCURESTI ()

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD ()

Project website:

Abstract:

The main technical objective of the project is the assessment of the uncertainties of the operational level 2 atmospheric composition products derived especially (but not exclusively) from the TROPOMI instrument on board of the Sentinel 5 Precursor (S5p) satellite. This will be achieved by performing collocated airborne and ground based measurements of the respective products during four dedicated field studies in 2019-2020.

Aerosols, Clouds and Trace gases Preparatory Phase Project Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0058 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/category/93/roactris-ppp

Abstract:

The Research Infrastructure (RI) ACTRIS – Aerosols, Clouds and Trace Gases - is the pan-European RI that consolidates activities amongst European partners for observations of aerosols, clouds, and trace gases and for understanding of the related atmospheric processes, to provide RI services to wide user groups. ACTRIS is composed of 8 connected elements: distributed National Facilities (observation platforms and exploratory platforms) both in Europe and globally, and 7 Central Facilities (Head Office, Data Centre and 5 Calibration Centres). ACTRIS provides access to its facilities, open-access data, research support, instrument calibration and development, and training to various user groups. By providing data and access ACTRIS enhances science, but it also generates an disseminates knowledge, boosts technological development, and creates human capital and jobs for the benefit of the

society. ACTRIS will positively impact on e.g. human health, climate resilience, and protection from environmental hazards and reduction of air pollution. ACTRIS has been selected to the ESFRI roadmap in 2016 as mature enough to be implemented within the next ten years. ACTRIS Preparatory Phase Project (PPP) will have a significant role in enabling the transition from a projectbased network of research facilities to a centrally coordinated integrated pan-European RI. ACTRIS PPP brings together a wide community of research performing organizations, research funding organizations and ministries needed to take the decisions and actions to move forward in the implementation of the ACTRIS. The main objectives of ACTRIS PPP are to develop the organizational, operational and strategic frameworks of the RI. The work includes legal, governance, financial, technical, strategic, and administrative aspects carried out in 9 work packages. The main outcomes of PPP are signature-ready documents for establishment of a legal entity with well-defined operations and a sound business plan.

Research Centre for environment and Earth Observation Call name:
POC-A.1-A.1.1.1.-F-2015, ctr. 152 2016 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://ceo-terra.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

Activitatile proiectului CEO-Terra includ imbunatatirea si extinderea infrastructurii existente la INOE (2 locatii, una in Magurele si unul in Cluj-Napoca). INOE a dezvoltat o strategie specifica care sta la baza actiunilor din CEO-Terra pentru a contrabalansa punctele slabe si amenintarile, si profitand de punctele tari si oportunitati:

Modernizarea a 3 laboratoare RADO (INSITU, PASSIVE, ACTIVE)

Dezvoltarea Centrului de Calibrare Lidar (LiCal)

Dezvoltarea Centrului Magurele pentru Studii ale Atmosferei si Radiatiei (MARS) si Centrului de date MARS

Modernizarea Laboratorului de Metode Optospectrale pentru evaluarea Calitatii Apei (MOCA)

Modernizarea Laboratorului de Factorii de Mediu

Modernizarea laboratorului INDICO

Development of a European HSRL airborne facility Call name:
ESA 4000112373/14/NL/CT 2013 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

MULTIPLY - Development of a European HSRL airborne facility, is a ESA-ESTEC project which proposes the development of a novel multi-wavelength HSRL system (3b + 2a + 3d) for airborne operation, capable of retrieving the aerosol extinction, backscatter and depolarization profile distributions. The system will be designed to be especially compact and robust, both optically and mechanically.

Demonstration of an Integrated approach for Validation and exploitation of Atmospheric missions Call name:
ESA/ESRIN nr.4000121773/17/I-EF 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

Aerosols, Clouds and Trace gases Preparatory Phase Project Call name:
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0058, 07/2017 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/196/about-roactris-ppp

Abstract:

ACTRIS PPP support project is financed by UEFISCDI under "Rewarding participation in Horizon 2020" call for proposals.

This project is awarded as a result of implementing a project funded by the European Commission (EC) - Horizon 2020.

The Research Infrastructure (RI) ACTRIS – Aerosols, Clouds and Trace Gases - is the pan-European RI that consolidates activities amongst European partners for observations of aerosols, clouds, and trace gases and for understanding of the related atmospheric processes, to provide RI services to wide user groups.

ACTRIS is composed of 8 connected elements: distributed National Facilities (observation platforms and exploratory platforms) both in Europe and globally, and 7 Central Facilities (Head Office, Data Centre and 5 Calibration Centres).

ACTRIS provides access to its facilities, open-access data, research support, instrument calibration and development, and training to various user groups.

The main objective of ACTRIS PPP support project is to capitalize the competencies and research potential of INOE (RADO)team by strengthening international collaborations and disseminating the results of ACTRIS PPP project, and not only, during national and international scientific events.

This project activities have the role to increase the number of potential partners in order to participate in future Horizon 2020 projects, but also in other research projects.

Intelligent Software for Aerosol typing Based on Earth observation products, remote sensing measurements and transport modelLing Call name:
ROSA STAR CDI 183/2017 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The purpose of the project is to develop a state of the art aerosol-typing software prototype based on the classification intelligent algorithms using data from active and passive remote sensing instruments together with satellite imagery and in situ data. The aerosols transport modelling will be also used to develop this software. Using remote sensing data, the dependence of the relative humidity of the aerosol size and density will be analysed and the in order to improve observations of aerosol optical and hygroscopic properties, hence, providing more accurate information on the type of aerosol in each aerosol layer from atmosphere. Combining numerical modelling with the remote sensing measurements the relationship between sources and receptors will be analysed in order to make a correlation between aerosol types and their sources, information important to aerosols classification.

Romanian Cluster for Earth Observation Call name:
ROSA-STAR-C3, 109/2016 2016 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); TERRASIGNA SRL (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA PAMANTULUI - INCDFP RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINĂ "GRIGORE ANTIPA"-I.N.C.D.M. CONSTANŢA (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE ÎN SILVICULTURĂ "MARIN DRĂCEA" (RO); INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); TEAMNET SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: https://ro-ceo.ro/

Abstract:

The overall scope of RO-CEO is to increase the capacity of Romanian organizations to contribute to ESA’s EO programmes and projects, by setting-up the Romanian Cluster for Earth Observation, a formal association of organizations, with its own statute and agenda. The main roles of the cluster are: a) to promote (to ESA and other space-relevant organizations) the specific interests and relevant capacities at national level, and attract more investments and contracts for the Romanian institutions; b) to improve the provision of services to end-users by joining complementary skills and expertise; c) to ensure the sustainability of the EO sector in Romania by enabling EO market development.

ACTRIS-2 - Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research Infrastructure Network Call name:
INFRAIA-1-2014-2015 no. 654109 2015 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

Project partners: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (RO)

Project website: https://www.actris.eu/

Abstract:

The ACTRIS-2 Integrating Activities (IA) addresses the scope of integrating state-of-the-art European ground-based stations for long-term observations of aerosols, clouds and short lived gases. It consolidates and improves services offered within FP7 funded Integrated Infrastructures Initiative ACTRIS (2011-2015). ACTRIS-2 takes up the overarching objectives of ACTRIS to further integrate the European ground-based stations and to construct a user-oriented RI, unique in the EU-RI landscape, for aerosols, clouds, and short-lived gas-phase species.

Pilot Study on Assessment of atmospheric optical properties during biomass burning events and long-range transport of desert dust Call name:
ESA/ESTEC nr. 4000117289/16/F/MOS 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

East European Centre for Atmospheric Remote Sensing Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0009 2016 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/category/91/roecars

Abstract:

ECARS is a project financed by the European Union under H2020 framework programme (Grant No. 692014 — ECARS — H2020-TWINN-2015/H2020-TWINN-2015).The project duration is three years, from January 1st 2016 to December 31st 2018. ECARS addresses the challenges of the Twinning programme by tackling deficiencies and networking gaps between INOE (RADO), a very dynamic research institution in Romania, and internationally-leading counterparts at EU level. The main objective of ECARS project is to boost research capacity in the field of remote sensing and to create a pole of excellence in Eastern Europe. In order to achieve this, it is intended to:(1)strengthen INOE(RADO)expertise in the field of remote sensing using the full range of resources (terrestrial, airborne and satellite), (2)improving performance indicators in research by reducing the scientific gap between INOE(RADO) and internationally leading research institutions in the same area, and (3)increasing international visibility of INOE(RADO)research team and creating strong partnerships with both the scientific community and potential users and/or the general public.

Centre for Atmospheric REmote Sensing and Space Earth observation Call name:
Project no.55/2013 STAR program 2013 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/130/about-caresse

Abstract:

CARESSE represents an initiative to concentrate and organize existing capacities for atmospheric remote sensing in Romania, in order to become a relevant and competent partner for ESA’s EO missions. CARESSE relies on RADO – the Romanian Atmospheric 3D research Observatory (through its coordinator, INOE) and its strategic (national and international) partners to:

(A) create a sustainable high-quality research and training nucleus for atmospheric remote sensing in view of future EO missions;

(B) develope and organize existing scientific and technological capacities for space-related applications of atmospheric remote sensing;

(C) prepare to fulfill the specific requirements of ESA, and strengthen international collaboration.

The team has a significant expertise in ground-based remote sensing, excellent networking connections, and operates state-of-the-art research instruments, unique in SE Europe. Data provided by the lidars, sun photometers, microwave radiometer, and C-ToF AMS are used by ground-based networks (EARLINET, AERONET, MWRNET, ACTRIS), but also for satellite CAL/VALs (e.g. CALIPSO-EARLINET CAL/VAL program). CARESSE intends to solve the weaknesses identified by the SWOT analysis, and promote the super site at INOE as a nucleus for high-quality research and training on atmospheric remote sensing.

Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research InfraStructure Call name: P 3 - SP 3.6 - Premierea participării în Orizont 2020
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0006 2016 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/category/92/roactris-2

Abstract:

ACTRIS2 is a European project funded under Horizon2020 Research and Innovation Framework Program (H2020-INFRAIA-2014-2015). Project duration is four years: May 2015 - April 2019. ACTRIS2 project is based on a distributed infrastructure, coordinated by a consortium of 31 partners and 21 institutions involved as third-party research and academia. Built on ACTRIS IA project foundation (FP7 Framework Program), ACTRIS2 intends to continue to integrate representative European scientific research stations with the objective of continuously monitoring aerosols, clouds and short-lived gas species from atmosphere. The main purpose is to provide a complex picture of the physical, chemical and optical properties of atmospheric constituents with a high degree of accuracy and consistency. Detecting changes and trends in the composition of the atmosphere as well as understanding their impact on the high troposphere and the stratosphere is needed to establish links and feedback between climatic variability and atmospheric composition. Another objective is to ensure access to information and to provide the means for their efficient use by a wider community of users. ACTRIS2 also aims to increase the technological level and quality of services offered to the user community, as well as promoting the links between research, education and innovation in the field of environmental sciences.

Science Centers Network Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1095 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE FIZICA ATOMICA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE FIZICA ATOMICA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); P.M. CONCEPT CONSULTING SRL (RO); SIVECO ROMANIA SA (RO); MEDNET RESEARCH SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http:// www.scinet.ro

Abstract:

Education and research represents the means by which a society have to build knowledge which will lead to prosperity, sustainability and personal development for every citizen.

In the current period, as shown in international studies there are some concerns relating to poor performance of students in basic skills. To understand the importance of good science education, we should think how science contribute to our everyday lives. The benefits and results from a scientist's work have an impact on our daily activities.It is confirmed that hands-on practicals in laboratories, visits outside school and non-formal learning environments are the most enjoyable aspects of studying the sciences. It is often argued that practical work is central to teaching and learning in science and that good quality practical work helps develop pupils’ understanding of scientific processes and concepts.

Generally, science centers aim is to connect the general public to science, giving them the opportunity to explore scientific and technical worlds and ask questions. There are many roles that can be assigned to a science center from firsthand experience to encouraging curiosity. Practical work undertaken inside the Science Centers like hand-on experiments, demonstrations and more other alike activities are important ingredients in learning science and in the same time can increase students sense of ownership and motivation. This experiential learning under scientists guiding will lead for sure to a comprehensive practical knowledge of learners.

The present project proposal focuses on creating an innovative model for out of school science learning combined with an interactive digital platform - eScience Center. This goal will be accomplished by developing the Science Center Network SCINET which will gather four major physics institutes (IFA, INOE, INFLPR, IFIN HH) and three companies (PMCC, SIVECO Romania, MEDNET RESEARCH). The three main objectives that will lead to SCINET existence are: Creation, organization and operationalization of SCINET; Development of creative and experiential capacities of highschool students to stimulate the interest in scientific research and innovation by creating two models (I model - Innovative Model for Science Learning INSCI; II model - Digital platform eScience Center); Promote the role of science among highschool students, transnational cooperation, exchange of experience and knowledge, network joining in order to increase visibility and to ensure long-term sustainability.

Fulfilling all these objectives will contribute to bridge the gap between formal and non-formal education and will promote science learning at pre-university level.

Unlike many other countries, Romania don't have a Science Center Network, SCINET being the first Science Center Network in Romania. Considering this, the two innovative models (INSCI and eScience Center) that will be created, tested and implemented represent a major need for the network to operate in a professional manner and to have the expected results.

SCINET will be a cooperative structure where partners will contribute with their respective strengths, at the same time receiving incentives for their own activities. The network will have an important role for today's world science and maybe to lay the fondation for future science careers.

The two models and their success criteria: The project will contribute directly, at national level, to the design and development educational models: I model (off campus) - Innovative Model for Nonformal Science Learning InSci and II model (online model) eScience Center - associated to science centers activities. At European level, the project will provide an inside view on the set-up and running of several science centers grown in connection to some major research institutes and, in the mean time, will offer information on the implementation of a national network of science centers.

Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1798 2014 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://mobbe.inoe.ro

Abstract:

The pollution from biomass burning (including wildfires) combined with urban pollution from human activities, the main sources of primary aerosols (fine particles, respirable), can have a significant impact on human health and on climate at local, regional and global scale, through the emissions of high concentrations of aerosol particles containing organic and inorganic matter and black carbon. 40% of the global emission of black carbon comes from biomass burning. The aerosols emitted can became condensation nuclei in the process of cloud formation influencing cloud radiative properties. As of now, cloud formation processes and the influence of aerosols are not fully understood and lead therefore to significant uncertainties in weather forecasts and climate change scenarios.

The purpose of the project MOBBE (Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact) is to quantify and to predict the effects of the aerosols from biomass burning and their impact on two major environmental issues: (a) air quality and (b) climate and meteorology at local, regional and global scale. The project aims to investigate the potential sources and the properties of aerosols from biomass burning, urban aerosols and long-range transport aerosols over Romania performing a first research case study in the Bucharest area, using improved inversion algorithms. The results (a new parametrization scheme of the physical processes of the biomass burning aerosols, sources and properties) will be implemented during the project in the FLEXPART aerosol dispersion model based on the Lagrangean particle dispersion mechanism. As meteorological input data, the model will use new data from COSMO model. Anthropogenic and natural emissions of biomass burning will be compared with the daily analysis and the fine mode aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm provided by the radio-spectrometer MODIS launched by NASA on the Aqua and Terra satellites, MAAC II, and with an independent dataset of AOD from the AERONET network. All the above information will be integrated in a “MOBBE Web Tool”.

The project will improve significantly the quantification of the present and future impact of biomass-burning emissions on the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere. This project will also provide relevant information concerning the aerosols radiative contribution in the context of climate change at global level. The data will be integrated in the ACTRIS-EBAS database.

The MOBBE research project is an interdisciplinary environmental research infrastructure based on continuous measurements, two intensive experimental field campaigns (summer and winter campaign) and eight flight hours of a research aircraft, that integrates in-situ monitors, ground-based and airborne observations, with a detailed analysis of satellite data and numerical modeling results. The satellite data are provided by the MODIS instruments from the satellites Terra and Aqua, by the Caliop lidar from the satellite CALIPSO and by EUMETCast.

MOBBE is a national consortium of two national institutes of research, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics (CO-RADO) and National Institute for Aerospace Research “Elie Carafoli” (P1-INCAS), the National Meteorological Administration (P2-NMA) and a service provider and instruments manufacturing company related to environmental monitoring (P3-ESYRO). All partners will join their expertise, infrastructure and efforts in order to develop an innovative methodology and a new powerful modelling tool “MOBBE Web Tool” for air monitoring, available for atmospheric and environmental research groups, as well as for environmental agencies, urban air quality agencies, industries, and decision makers.

Airborne Romanian Measurements of Aerosols and Trace Gases Call name:
▪ ESA RFP IPL-PEO/FF/gp/14.91 2014 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE AEROSPATIALA "ELIE CARAFOLI" - I.N.C.A.S. BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (RO); Max Planck Institute (RO); Norwegian Institute for Air Research (RO); Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://uv-vis.aeronomie.be/aromat/

Abstract:

The Airborne ROmanian Measurements of Aerosols and Trace gases (AROMAT) campaigns were held in Romania in September 2014 and August 2015. The AROMAT campaigns were supported by ESA in the framework of its Copernicus Earth observation programme. The AROMAT activities were coordinated by BIRA and included eight other research institutions from Romania (University of Galati, INOE, and INCAS), Germany (Universities of Bremen, Berlin, and MPIC) the Netherlands (KNMI), and Norway (NILU).

The objectives of the AROMAT campaigns were (i) to test recently developed airborne observation systems dedicated to air quality satellite validation studies such as the AirMap (university of Bremen), the NO2 sonde (KNMI), and SWING (BIRA), and (ii) to prepare the validation programme of the future Atmospheric Sentinels, starting with S5P to be launched in early summer 2016.

Aerosols in Romania and Switzerland Call name:
Romanian-Swiss Research Programme RSRP, 3RO-CH/RSRP/10.10.2012 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry, National Institute of Research and Paul Scherrer Institute (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.snf.ch/SiteCollectionDocuments/5_fact_sheet_rsrp_IZERZ0_142146.pdf

Abstract:

he AEROS project primary goals are to improve

knowledge of the chemical composition, optical properties

and source of particulate matter including the:

•

Assessment of

the chemical composition of

particulate matter and quantification of the sources

contributing to the organic fraction in

Romania in

comparison to Switzerland and other

European countries.

•

Integrated assessment of particulate matter

concerning their optic

al and chemical properties

combining lidar and in

-

situ measurements

Neural network Aerosol Typing Algorithm based on LIdar data Call name:
ESA 4000110671/14/I-LG 2014 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://NATALI.INOE.RO

Abstract:

NATALI - Neural network Aerosol Typing Algorithm based on LIdar data aims to intensify the participation of the Romanian scientific community to the "ESA contributing missions" through the development of new tools for aerosol typing based on optical (active) remote sensing data. These products are relevant for several satellite missions, as detailed in Section 6, and have multiple applications for Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP-4). Moreover, they will foster a wider use of the satellite services in fields like air quality, climate change, atmospheric research, and aviation safety.

Initial Training for Atmospheric Remote Sensing Call name:
▪ FP7-PEOPLE-2011-ITN no. 289923 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: University of Cologne, Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology

Project partners: University of Cologne, Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology (RO); National Technical University of Athens (RO); Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (RO); University of Reading (RO); University of Potsdam, Institute of Mathematics (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://itars.uni-koeln.de/static/

Abstract:

ITaRS (Initial Training for Atmospheric Remote Sensing) brings together a group of universities, research organisations and high-tech companies from different disciplines (meteorology, geosciences, physics, electrical engineering, mathematics) with the aim to foster training and further development in the area of remote sensing of the atmosphere.

Combined use of LIdar - RAdar for the evaluation of phenomena associated with cloud seeding for efficient prevention of hail Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2074 2014 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ENVIROSCOPY SRL

Project partners: ENVIROSCOPY SRL (RO); ELECTROMECANICA PLOIESTI S.A. (RO); ADMINISTRATIA NATIONALA DE METEOROLOGIE RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://lira.inoe.ro

Abstract:

Hail events represent an important natural disaster associated with great economic losses, especially in agriculture. The most vulnerable regions in Romania are in Central – South, where there is a large probability that convective clouds are formed. Although hailstorms affect crop yield and/or quality dramatically, 40% of the total agricultural land is not protected against hail.

Anti-hail rockets program is based on dispersing pyrotechnical mixtures of silver-iodide. They act as condensation nuclei, creating a large number of small hail particles which melt and fall in form of drops. Nevertheless, it is extremely difficult to validate the effect of the seeding, due to superposition of strong natural atmospheric variations.

By combining different remote sensing instruments, a much better estimation of the microphysical cloud properties can be made, including the efficiency of the AgI dispersion and hail crystals modification.

The main goal of LIRA's project is to investigate cloud transformations as consequence of seeding, and determine best operational procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce side effects in case of hail suppression, using a smart combination of remote sensing techniques (passive and active): lidar, radar, microwave radiometry, satellite imagery. LIRA aims at: a) Design of an experimental model using radar, lidar and microwave radiometry to monitor ice formation inside clouds, before, during and after cloud seeding; b) Identification of application-driven suitable parameters for efficient cloud seeding, based on modeled and experimental data; c) Increasing visibility, protecting intellectual rights.

This project brings together research, operational and economical institutions to produce new knowledge and introduce new techniques and methods for early warning of the hailfall, objective selection of the seeding parameters and quantitative assessment of the intervention's efficiency. Our approach is to actually measure inside the cloud. We will use the synergy between radar, lidar and microwave radiometer, but we add the depolarization capability of the lidar, which will permit, by combination with radar, to monitor remotely the changes in the ice / liquid water content of the cloud. We will visualize the dispersion of the seeding agent inside the volume before activation, to look for correlations between seeding parameters (target location, rocket speed, time of spreading the agent, etc.) and efficiency in suppressing hail. Original work will be done for the design and upgrade of the depolarization lidar, but also for the development of data processing and analysis algorithms. The possibility of forecasting hail based on EUMETCAST data will also be analyzed. Several algorithms will be improved by direct validation with measurements (retrieval of wind speed from radar - validation with sodar, cloud height from EUMETCAST - validation from lidar, cloud particle depolarization from lidar - intervalidation with radar). Moreover, we will put our knowledge at the service of the society, by transferring experimental techniques to operational procedures.

Apart from the scientific knowledge which will be achieved during the experiment (subject of 6 communications at prestigious international conferences and 4 ISI papers), LIRA intends to elaborate 1 patent, related to the algorithm for combining radar and lidar data in order to extract the 3D map of the mixed clouds.

By combination of techniques, expertise and knowledge, LIRA will bring weather modification from empirically accepted to scientifically proved. Several noticeable results are envisaged: >>elaboration of a new technology to dynamically monitor cloud seeding effects; >>advances in understanding physical phenomena associated to cloud seeding; >>development of an experimental method for the objective assessment of cloud seeding efficiency; >>identification of opportunities to extend the methodology from hail suppression to rainfall generation.

Fast Laser Imaging, Detection and Ranging of Aerosol Emissions in Aircraft Plumes Call name:
Programul de Cercetare-Dezvoltare-Inovare pentru Tehnologie Spaţ 2013 - 2015

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://spectroscopy.phys.uaic.ro/darlioes.html

Abstract:

The aim of this project is to analysing the climate pollution influence, current and future impacts of subsonic aviation, radiative effects resulting from aircraft engine emission, UV radiation This project may have a high contribution in understanding the atmosphere phenomenon, phisico-chemical processes in the environmental protection. The technology used is based on the laser spectroscopy that introduces complementary approach to the classical methods that include satellite data. Because of high temporal and spatial resolution trace particles detection up to 15 Km in altitude the system may solve some critical point in the atmosphere physics but also in the influence of the certain perturbation like natural phenomenon or human activity (industry, aircraft emission, cosmic impact, storms Sun, etc), all of these having a crucial influence over the climate change and the entire ecosystem.

Pilot study of ultra-high energy COsmic rays through their Space-ATmospheric interactions Call name:
C2-CDI-STAR-2013-333 2013 - 2015

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE STIINTE SPATIALE-FILIALA INFLPR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.spacescience.ro/projects/cosat

Abstract:

One hundred years after the discovery of cosmic rays, the study of charged ultra-high energy cosmic rays remains a vital activity in fundamental physics and one of the greatest challenges in Astroparticle Physics, which uses cosmic particles to understand violent phenomena in the Universe.

While primary cosmic rays could not be measured directly until it was possible to get the detectors highly in the atmosphere using balloons or spacecraft, nowadays very energetic cosmic rays can also be detected indirectly by ground-based experiments measuring their EAS induced Cherenkov, fluorescent light, or radio waves.

All cosmic ray measurements (performed either from space or ground) rely on an accurate understanding of atmospheric phenomena, therefore, the COSAT project will investigate the energetic cosmic rays physical processes using the atmosphere as a detector.

The project is accessing the lowest level of technology readiness and the scientific research begins to be translated into applied R&D.

The project results are envisaged to come in support to ESA – EUSO, SSA – space weather and Earth Observation Missions.

Developing the emerging research potential of Romanian Lidar Centre Call name:
FP7-REGPOT-2008-1, project no.229907 2009 - 2012

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://delice.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

Demonstration of lidar based clear air turbulence detection Call name:
FP7-AAT-2008-RTD-1,Project no.233801 2009 - 2012

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: THALES Avionics

Project partners: THALES Avionics (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://www.delicat.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

The objective of DELICAT is to validate the concept of LIDAR based medium range turbulence detection, allowing efficient protection of the passengers and crew by actions such as seat belts fasten. The validation will be based on the comparison of the information on a turbulent atmospheric area, provided on one side by the remote LIDAR sensor and on the other side by the aircraft sensors (acceleration, air speed, temperature).

Romanian Atmospheric Research 3D Observatory Call name:
Norwegian Cooperation Programme Project no.115266 2009 - 2011

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); NILU – Norwegian Institute for Air Research (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://rado.inoe.ro

Abstract:

The Romanian Atmospheric 3D research Observatory–RADO is a distributed atmospheric research infrastructure based on the voluntary association of several research institutes and universities in Romania. Its main function is to perform experimental and theoretical research for atmospheric composition and air quality assessment, including impact on climate and climate variability.

European Aerosol Research Lidar Network - Advanced Sustainable Observation System Call name:
FP6: 025991 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto di Metodologie per l’Analisi Ambientale (CNR-IMAA) Contrada S. Loja I-85050 Tito Scalo (Potenza) Italy

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.earlinet.org/index.php?id=145

Abstract:

The present knowledge of the aerosol distribution is far from sufficient to properly estimate the role of aerosols in changes of the global and regional environmental conditions and climate. Improving the observation system for aerosols will contribute to almost all areas of societal benefits listed in the GEOSS Implementation Plan. Since it is in particular the information on the vertical distribution that is lacking, advanced laser remote sensing is the most appropriate tool to close the observational gap.

EARLINET-ASOS, starting on the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) infrastructure, consisting of 20 lidar stations distributed over Europe, will contribute to the improvement of continuing observations and methodological developments that are urgently needed to provide the multi-year continental scale data set necessary to assess the impact of aerosols on the European and global environment and to support future satellite missions.

The main objective is to improve the EARLINET infrastructure resulting in a better spatial and temporal coverage of the observations, continuous quality control for the complete observation system, and fast availability of standardized data products. This will be reached by strengthening the co-operation among the partners with several networking activities: exchange of expertise with the main goal of defining and disseminating best practice and knowledge; quality assurance program for both algorithms and instruments for assessing and assuring common high quality standards; optimization of instruments for achieving a better temporal coverage and standardization of performance; optimization of data processing with the goal of establishing an automatic processing from raw data to final products; establishing a database provided with an user interface for dissemination of data.

The expected outcome is the most comprehensive data source for the 4-D spatio-temporal distribution of aerosols on a continental scale.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects