EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference 2025
Lyon, France 15-19 September 2025
Second Announcement
The 2025 EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference will take place in Lyon, France from 15 to 19 September. EUMETSAT will be joined in the organisation and hosting of the event by Météo-France, the national provider for weather and climate services in France.
Session topics
The overarching theme emphasizes the pivotal role of satellite technology and Earth observation in addressing global challenges related to weather prediction, climate change, and environmental safety.
Each session-topic contributes to this narrative by highlighting advancements, opportunities, and strategies for leveraging space-based technologies for societal benefits.
After our initial call for session themes proposals, we have consolidated the following themes:
1. Introductory session on international EO programmes
This session aims at providing an overview of National and International Programs for Environmental Satellites. We will invite the satellite operational agencies and research institutions to present their present and future horizons for Environmental satellite programmes. The first day's introductory session will provide an overview of National and International International EO programmes.
2. The EUMETSAT new generation fleets, from GEO to LEO: making us ready for the next 2-5 years
The EUMETSAT new generation fleets session, from GEO to LEO, aims to evaluate Meteosat 12's operations and its impact on nowcasting for high impact weather and other application areas. By 2025, we expect the launch of the first EUMETSAT polar system payload and a consolidated assessment of the Arctic Weather Satellite. The session will focus on scientific preparatory work to highlight application areas for the instruments, explore synergies with other missions, and incorporate AI and machine learning methods. We will focus around four key blocks with a leaning to operational meteorology:
- Meteosat Third Generation: Initial assessments and applications
- Preparation for second-generation LEO and Meteosat sounder
- Arctic Weather Satellites: Preliminary results review
- Synergies across platforms, considering both calibration and new unforeseen products
The sub-sessions will be:
2.A. FCI
2.B MTG - S/UVN
2.C Synergy
2.D AWS/Sterna
2.E EPS-SG
2.F MTG-LI
3. How will the prediction landscape evolve along with the use of satellites?
With advancements in impact weather forecasting and climate information into decision making processes, it's time to examine operational prediction systems. We invite abstracts on using satellite data for predictions from minutes to weeks, focusing on ocean, land, and atmosphere interactions and their impact on coupling modelling. We're interested in nowcasting methods, coupled prediction systems, data assimilation, and training machine learning with observations. The session provides an opportunity to share results from observation impact studies, improved data usage, and new machine learning capabilities. An invited talk for ECMWF's 50th anniversary will also be part of this session. The concept involves having three main blocks focused on operational meteorology with abstract covering:
- NWP and nowcasting: transitioning from traditional methods to machine learning, leveraging satellite data.
- Coupled Earth System interfaces: identifying impactful satellite data.
- Advanced data assimilation, AI, and post-processing: maximising satellite data usage.
4. Status and evolution of altimetry from space
The launch of Sentinel-6B and Sentinel-3C will extend the Copernicus altimeter constellation for 5 to 7 years. The Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography mission will revolutionise satellite altimetry for weather and ocean forecasting. The climate data record of global and regional sea level change, now 32 years long, will surpass 50 years with the Sentinel-6 NG mission. We will assess the achievements of current altimetry data and discuss needs for upcoming missions, including applications in climate and ocean science, operational oceanography, and prediction systems.
Sub-sessions will cover:
- A Overview
- B Processing and error budget
- C Applications
5. Towards new operational programmes and preparedness studies
This session delves into the evolving landscape of user requirements in the space sector, with a forward-looking approach to the next 5 to 20 years. Key discussions will include predicting the evolution of existing and emerging services, along with the development of platforms and tools that enhance service delivery. Participants will explore long-term trends in observational science, focusing on advancements in satellite-based and complementary technological solutions. Additionally, the session will address monitoring the architecture of the space sector, emphasizing innovative design scenarios and leveraging off-the-shelf solutions to meet future demands. Join us for insights into shaping the future of space-based services and technologies. This session will comprise four key blocks with abstracts and presentations covering:
- Special session on future mission requirements (invited speakers, a full day)
- A sub-session aiming to provide insights into shaping the future of space-based services and technologies, focusing on cost sustainability, innovation, and collaboration across various sectors. Advancing Low Earth Orbit programs, optimizing satellite and ground systems for cost efficiency, and strengthening service delivery through cross-sector partnerships define the future of space-based technologies.
- Enhancing our observational capabilities of Earth's system interfaces (i.e., Planetary Boundary Layer, chemistry and clouds, stratosphere and troposphere)
- Innovations in Earth Observation Retrieval Algorithms – AI and Traditional Approaches
The conference sub-sessions will be:
5.A Future mission requirements – special session
5.B innovation, from sustainability to cross-collaboration
5.C Earth's system interfaces
5.D AI
5.E Future missions
6. Satellite data in key decision-making applications
Satellite data play an essential role in building the climate data record and trusted reference products, with simultaneous multi-decadal observations and multi-mission efforts, and from a holistic, Earth Systems perspective. They are essential drivers of downstream, multi-sector, user applications such as water management, just energy transition and any impact-based assessments and applications, including high-impact weather events at short lead times and longer time scales.
This session will cover the role of leveraging satellite data in decision-making, as the stimulant of innovation-driven applications across time scales, from weather prediction to the development of climate adaptation and resilience action plans, goals and strategies. Here we will have multiple key blocks with abstracts dealing with:
- The role of satellite data as drivers of innovation, user-centric applications and in decision-making
- The role of land and hydrological satellite products to support hazard forecasting and mitigation
- Cutting-edge research and practical applications of satellite data in energy meteorology
The conference sub-sessions will be:
6.A.1 Satellite data as drivers of innovation: nowcasting/convective storms
6.A.2 Satellite data as drivers of innovation: air quality/atmospheric pollutants
6.A.3 Satellite data as drivers of innovation: climate or other innovations
6.B Satellite data in applications: Hydrology and water management
6.C Satellite data in applications: Energy and aviation
6.D.1 Satellite data in applications: Wildfires
6.D.2 Satellite data in applications: Land
6.E Satellite data in applications – Panel discussion: From Space to Society: the growing economic and social value of earth observation data
7. Data Integration, Open Science, and AI Innovation for advancing Earth Observation for Weather and Climate preparedness
This session invites contributions showcasing innovative data practices, transformative AI applications, and multi-platform governance solutions that advance EO for climate science and adaptation, resilience planning, and sustainable environmental management. The idea would be to have four key blocks calling for abstract in:
- Open Science and FAIR Principles: How open-source tools, FAIR-compliant practices, and open-access platforms transform EO by enhancing transparency, collaboration, and data reuse.
- Big Data and Cloud Ecosystems: Insights into advanced platforms such as the Destination Earth Data Lake (DEDL), leveraging cloud-native formats, standardized metadata, and edge computing to process petabytes of data efficiently.
- How the Earth System Modelling and Observation communities use and see the evolution of the cloud and computing infrastructures?
- Supporting European Green Goals: Examining how cloud computing and AI-driven solutions facilitate climate resilience, carbon reduction, and sustainability initiatives aligned with the European Green Deal. Considering also opportunities and risks of solar radiation modification.
The conference sub-sessions will be:
7.A Open Science and FAIR Principles
7.B Tools and Algorithms
7.C Frameworks for Enabling AI
7.D Innovative AI Applications
7.E Data Access and Cloud Ecosystems
8. Sea ice remote sensing for sustainable explorations in the Arctic
The Arctic sea ice is under rapid shrinking. This change is not only opening new opportunities for Arctic shipping and resource exploration, it is also raising new climate, environmental and ecological challenges in the Arctic. Due to harsh environment in the Arctic, satellite remote sensing has long been the main observation tool for this region. This session invites contributions of sea ice remote sensing and its applications for short-term and sub-seasonal to seasonal predictions and climate projects of the Arctic sea ice, with the purpose for sustainable explorations.
Side Workshop
Short course on Severe Storms Nowcasting using MTG data
A special hands-on training on convection nowcasting, demonstrating the advantages of using MTG FCI and LI data along with the other data sources, will be organised during the week of the conference.
The workshop will take place on Tuesday from 12:00 to 14:30, during which lunch boxes will be provided.
Places are limited, so participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those interested in attending the workshop should indicate their interest on the conference registration form. A link with more information about the workshop programme and registration will be shared at a later stage.
Deadlines and fees
Conference dates
15 – 19 September 2025 (Monday to Friday)
Registration deadlines and fees
- Registrations submitted by 18 July 2025: early registration fee of 420 EUR
- Registrations submitted by 22 August 2025: standard registration fee of 460 EUR
- Registrations submitted after 22 August 2025 or on-site: late registration fee of 540 EUR
- Student rate up to and including 22 August 2025: 210 EUR
- Student rate after 22 August 2025 or on-site: 310 EUR
- Dinner contribution per person (participant and accompanying): 50 EUR
Registration and confirmation
Please note that the fee is independent of the number of days you attend the conference.
Students are asked to send a scan of their student ID card or a letter from their University on headed paper confirming their student status to @email when submitting the registration.
To register online, please go to the registration website.
You will receive an automatic email confirmation upon receipt of the completed registration form. The email will contain all registration details.
Early registration will take place on Sunday 14 September starting at 16:00 in the Accueil Bellecour/Reception Bellecour of the Lyon Congress Centre (congress venue). It is followed by a welcome drink from 18:00 to 19:30. Registration will continue on Monday at 08:00 and throughout the next days.
Payments
Payments can be made via a secured online platform in Euros using standard bank cards, such as VISA or MasterCard. Late registration payments made on site may be made in cash (Euros) or bank card. To make a payment please use the link provided in the registration confirmation email.
Payments can also be made by bank transfer. Please instruct your bank to carry out the transaction “free of all bank charges for the recipient”. Any bank fees will be charged to the participant. Please indicate your name and Ref. No (reference number) on every bank transfer. You will find your Ref. No. on the automatic confirmation email you will receive after the registration process.
Registration cancellations
All cancellations and changes are to be addressed to the congress secretariat in writing (letter or email) at any stage prior to or during the event: @email.
- Cancellations received more than one month prior to the conference: 100% refund minus a EUR 50.- administration charge.
- Cancellations received less than one month prior to the conference are not refundable.
All refunds will be processed after the conference.
Participants unable to attend may transfer their booking to another person.
Venue
The venue for our conference is the Lyon Convention Centre, offering modern conference facilities and generous exhibition and foyer spaces. It is located in the heart of the Renzo Piano designed Cité Internationale, a quarter in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon. The modern area offers a wide array of restaurants and entertainment opportunities, together with a direct access to the Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon’s biggest park.
Lyon is the third largest city in France situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône. The city is recognised for its cuisine and gastronomy, as well as historical and architectural landmarks; as such, the districts of Old Lyon, the Fourvière hill, the Presqu'île and the slopes of the Croix-Rousse are named on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Lyon was historically an important area for the production and weaving of silk, and played a significant role in the history of cinema since Auguste and Louis Lumière invented the cinematograph there.
Hotel bookings
We strongly advise you to book your accommodation as early as possible since September is a busy time for congresses in Lyon.
We selected a few hotels in walking distance to the hotel. To make a booking, follow this link.
Contacts and conference location
Contact conference secretariat
Kuoni Global Travel Services (Schweiz) AG
Elias Canetti Strasse 2
8050 Zurich
Switzerland
Phone : +41 58 458 65 66
E-mail: eumetsat2024@kuonitumlare.com
Conference location
Centre de Congrès de Lyon
50 quai Charles de Gaulle - 69006 Lyon
NOTE: Access via entrance Bellecour (downstairs near the orange statue “man on the phone”)
Conference information
Networking events
Registration is mandatory for all networking events at the conference. For catering purposes, please indicate on the registration form which networking event you will attend and whether you will be accompanied (limited to one accompanying person). Please note that for some events we have a limited number of participants and tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Included in the registration fee.
The Icebreaker will take place on Monday 30 September in the entrance foyer of the congress venue from 18:30 to 21:30.
The Icebreaker will take place on Monday 15 September at the Musée des Confluences from 18:30 to 21:30.
The Musée des Confluences is a landmark of the city of Lyon, situated at the confluence of the city's two main rivers, the Saône and the Rhône.
During the Icebreaker you will have the opportunity to visit the museum and wander through its exhibitions.
The Museum is 20 minutes by bus from the Congress Centre. Transfers to the Museum will be provided.
With the contribution of:
Practical tips for the journey
General information
Travelling to Lyon
Things to do in Lyon
Lyon is the third-largest city in France, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. It's known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Lyon was a major economic hub during the Renaissance and is famous for its silk production and weaving
The city is also recognized for its cuisine and gastronomy, with many considering it the culinary capital of France.
Here are some top things to do in Lyon:
- Vieux Lyon: Explore one of the largest Renaissance old quarters in Europe, filled with beautiful architecture and hidden passageways called traboules.
- Fourvière Basilica: Visit this magnificent church on Fourvière hill for stunning views and intricate interiors.
- Traboules: Wander through these unique passageways that connect courtyards and offer a glimpse into Lyon's silk industry history.
- Théâtres Romains de Fourvière: Discover ancient Roman ruins, including a theatre and temple, and enjoy the annual performing arts festival held here.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: Spend time at one of France's finest art museums, showcasing works from ancient to contemporary art.
Lyon offers a mix of historical charm and modern attractions, making it a fantastic destination to explore.
For a complex overview you can visit https://en.visiterlyon.com/discover/the-metropole-de-lyon
Early Career Scientist Initiative
EUMETSAT believes in fostering the scientists of the future and invite applications for our early career scientist initiative. Applications are open from anyone aged 32 or younger who have up to 24 months of job experience. Eligible papers should cover any use and application of EUMETSAT satellite data along the main themes of the conference.
The Scientific Programme Committee will select five papers that receive an award, consisting of travel funding and free conference participation for the EUMETSAT conference in 2026. The selected papers will be especially promoted during the conference.
Please note that winners of previous awards are not eligible to apply for the award again, though they remain welcome to present their papers at the conference. Previous winners attending a future conference may also be invited to participate in the Scientific Programme Committee.
On top of this, a special event titled “lunchtime career dialogues” will take place during the Wednesday lunchbreak.
With the focus on exploring ideas on potential career opportunities, the ECS lunchtime career dialogues is a session where invited senior professionals share experiences and advice from their careers. After a brief introduction of the experts, the participants break out into small groups with one expert each, where the questions and topics of interest of the participants can be discussed in an informal setting. To gather experiences from different career paths, the groups will rotate to enable discussions with different experts.
Participants will be approached to share their key questions and career directions of interest (academia, industry, etc.) prior to the event, to help the organisers and senior professionals tailor the event to the needs and interests of the early career participants.
Senior professionals that would like to volunteer to share their career advice, can email the organisers:
- Linda Jakschies, Junior SAF Analyst at EUMETSAT linda.@email
- Felix Bosco, Junior Remote Sensing Scientist at EUMETSAT @email
Sponsors
