ETHNIKO ASTEROSKOPEIO ATHINON

Their core work

The National Observatory of Athens is Greece's leading research centre for atmospheric sciences, earth observation, and space weather. They operate ground-based remote sensing networks, develop satellite data processing systems for environmental monitoring (Copernicus, GEOSS), and maintain research infrastructures for aerosol, cloud, and trace gas measurements across Europe and the Mediterranean. Their work spans from solar physics and ionospheric disturbance forecasting to climate impact assessment and agricultural monitoring using earth observation data.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2014–2018), NOA focused on foundational atmospheric science, climate change research, and public engagement through Researchers' Nights, while building capacity in ground-based remote sensing. From 2018 onward, a clear shift emerged toward earth observation data platforms, interoperability standards (GEOSS, Copernicus), and the application of machine learning and deep learning to satellite and atmospheric datasets. Their recent work also shows stronger involvement in research infrastructure governance and a growing emphasis on translating observation data into actionable services for agriculture and disaster management.

NOA is moving from being a traditional atmospheric measurement institute toward becoming a data-intensive earth observation hub, increasingly applying AI/ML to satellite and sensor data for operational services.

How they like to work

NOA operates primarily as an active partner (50 of 63 projects), but demonstrates strong coordination capability with 12 projects led — a healthy ratio for a national research centre. With 799 unique consortium partners across 64 countries, they function as a well-connected hub rather than a closed-circle collaborator. Their participation spans both large infrastructure consortia (ACTRIS, EPOS, EOSC-hub) and focused research teams, making them adaptable to different project sizes and governance structures.

An exceptionally broad network of 799 partners across 64 countries, with strong connections to Mediterranean and Southeast European institutions through projects like GEO-CRADLE and VI-SEEM, and deep links to pan-European research infrastructure networks (ACTRIS, EPOS, EOSC).

What sets them apart

NOA sits at a rare intersection of atmospheric science, earth observation, and space weather — few European research centres combine all three with operational infrastructure and data platform expertise. Their geographic position makes them a natural bridge between European research networks and the Mediterranean/North African region, as demonstrated by GEO-CRADLE. For consortium builders, NOA brings both scientific depth in atmospheric and EO domains and proven experience managing EU research infrastructure governance.

Highlights from their portfolio

• D-TECT
  Largest single grant (EUR 1.97M) as coordinator — an ERC-level project investigating how dust triboelectrification affects climate, showcasing deep research leadership.
• GEO-CRADLE
  Coordinated a EUR 795K project to integrate earth observation activities across North Africa and the Middle East — demonstrating NOA's strategic bridging role between Europe and the MENA region.
• ACTRIS-2
  Major participation (EUR 523K) in Europe's flagship aerosol and cloud research infrastructure, cementing NOA's role as a key node in pan-European atmospheric monitoring.