INSTITUTE OF REMOTE SENSING AND DIGITAL EARTH - CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

Their core work

RADI CAS is China's leading institute for Earth observation, remote sensing, and geospatial data processing. Within EU collaborations, they contribute satellite-derived environmental data, atmospheric aerosol profiling, and land-use monitoring capabilities. Their work spans Arctic observation systems, nature-based solutions for climate risks, and soil management — consistently providing remote sensing infrastructure and data fusion expertise to large international consortia. They serve as a critical bridge between Chinese Earth observation assets and European research programs.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their earlier H2020 involvement (2016-2018), RADI CAS focused on large-scale integrated observation systems — Arctic monitoring across ocean, atmosphere, ice, and terrestrial domains, plus fundamental atmospheric science like aerosol vertical profiling. By 2018-2019, their focus shifted toward applied environmental challenges: climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, hydro-meteorological risk management using Copernicus data, and Sino-EU soil monitoring. This evolution shows a move from pure observation infrastructure toward actionable environmental intelligence with direct policy and land management applications.

Moving from building observation infrastructure toward applying remote sensing data to practical climate resilience and sustainable land-use challenges, with growing emphasis on EU-China bilateral research.

How they like to work

RADI CAS never coordinates — they join as participant or third party in large, multi-partner consortia (114 unique partners across 33 countries). This is typical of a non-EU organization contributing specialized data assets and technical capabilities to European-led projects. Their broad partner network suggests they are well-connected but play a supporting scientific role rather than driving project direction.

With 114 unique consortium partners across 33 countries, RADI CAS has an exceptionally wide network for just 4 projects, reflecting participation in large international consortia. Their reach is genuinely global, connecting Chinese Earth observation resources with European and Arctic research communities.

What sets them apart

RADI CAS offers something few European partners can: direct access to Chinese satellite data, ground-based observation networks, and the scientific infrastructure of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. For any project requiring Sino-European data comparison, joint Earth observation campaigns, or access to Chinese environmental monitoring assets, they are an essential partner. Their dual strength in atmospheric remote sensing and land-surface monitoring makes them versatile across environmental domains.

Highlights from their portfolio

• INTAROS
  A major 6-year integrated Arctic observation initiative spanning ocean, atmosphere, ice, and land — one of the most comprehensive Arctic monitoring efforts in H2020.
• SIEUSOIL
  A dedicated Sino-EU bilateral project building a joint soil observatory, directly reflecting RADI CAS's role as a bridge between Chinese and European research systems.
• OPERANDUM
  Applied Copernicus satellite data and nature-based solutions to real-world hydro-meteorological risk management, showing RADI CAS's move toward practical climate adaptation.