Background and Context

The The Gobabeb – Namib Research Institute, located in Namibia, is increasingly recognised as a strategic site for both atmospheric research studies and satellite calibration and validation (Cal/Val). Its geographic position at the intersection of diverse aerosol emission sources, including biomass burning, desert dust, mineral aerosols, and marine sea spray, offers a unique natural laboratory for studying aerosol composition and properties, atmospheric dynamics, and chemistry through observational and modelling approaches. Moreover, its generally cloud-free conditions throughout the year, and high and temporally stable surface reflectance properties, make it exceptionally well-suited for the radiometric calibration of satellite optical sensors, and for solar radiation budget studies.

Owing to these reasons, the Gobabeb site has been progressively integrated into major international Cal/Val and monitoring networks, such as RadCalNet, HYPERNETS, BSRN, TIRCalNet, COCCON, AERONET, and GBOV. The site also hosted several field campaigns, gathering scientists around the globe to better understand aerosol and long-lived gases chemistry and dynamics in this unique environment. The site is therefore a catalyser and interdisciplinary hub for scientific research.

Despite its relevance, current and planned initiatives in Gobabeb have often progressed independently, with limited integration across co-located measurements and campaigns. This workshop aims to bring together stakeholders from space agencies and the scientific community to align efforts, foster synergies, and advance Gobabeb as a coordinated international Cal/Val and atmospheric science 'supersite'.

Objectives

The main objectives of the workshop are to:

• Leverage synergies across various scientific and operational Cal/Val activities at Gobabeb site, aiming at expanding observational capacities.
• Strengthen inter-agency cooperation, particularly between ESA and CNES, to build a unified European African scientific research hub.
• Promote collaboration, data and knowledge exchanges between existing networks such as RadCalNet, HYPERNETS, BSRN, TIRCalNet, COCCON, AERONET, and GBOV.
• Advance Cal/Val capabilities to better support current and upcoming satellite missions (e.g., Sentinel NG, EarthCARE, LSTM, CHIME)
• Foster educational outreach in the Namibian academic and technical sectors by engaging local institutions in training programs.

Workshop Topics

The workshop’s topics will include:

• Calibration and Validation: Methods for radiometric and spectral Cal/Val for optical, hyperspectral, and thermal infrared satellite sensors.
• Field Campaigns: Presentation of recent and planned campaigns at Gobabeb, with emphasis on identifying opportunities for synergy and collaboration.
• Atmospheric Modeling: Development and verification of climate and atmospheric transport and chemistry models of aerosols and short and long-lived trace gases.
• Radiative Transfer Modeling (RTM): Use of RTM coupled with remote sensing and in-situ measurements for satellite data simulations.
• Instrument Operations: Sharing of technical challenges and lessons learnt in deploying and operating sensors in the Gobabeb environment.
• Local Capacity Development: Exploration of strategies to engage the Namibian research institutions and students through training and education projects.

Workshop Format

The workshop will consist of:

• Invited presentations from key scientists and space agencies.
• Panel discussions to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities.
• Participants will include scientists, engineers, and experts from space agencies, research institutions, calibration networks, and Namibian academic partners.

Expected Outcomes

The workshop will result in a set of recommendations on:

• Enhancing synergies across Cal/Val networks in Gobabeb.
• Identifying priority research and infrastructure needs to further strengthen the Gobabeb site as a supersite.
• Defining a roadmap for inter-agency cooperations to enhance Gobabeb scientific and Cal/Val capabilities in support of current and future EO missions.
• Proposing a strategy for co-funding and shared resource deployment at the site.
• Establishing a framework for education and outreach activities targeting Namibian universities and technical institutes.

These outcomes will be elaborated into a summary report to drive future collaborative efforts and research activities at Gobabeb.

Event Details

Location: ESA ESRIN, Largo Galileo Galilei 1, 00044 Frascati (RM), Italy
Dates: November 24-25, 2025
Schedule:  From Monday, November 24 at 10:00 to Tuesday, November 25 at 15:30
Fees: No fees apply. Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.

Please confirm your interest in attending by registering here. Registration closes on 10 November 2025.

Agenda

View the agenda of the workshop

Workshop organising committee

Philippe Goryl (ESA)
Fabrizio Niro (Serco)
Gabriele Brizzi (Serco)
Paola Formenti (LISA)
Claudia Di Biagio (LISA)