KAMINSKI THOMAS HERBERT

Their core work

The Inversion Lab (Thomas Kaminski Consulting) is a specialized consultancy providing inverse modeling and data assimilation expertise for atmospheric and climate monitoring systems. They develop mathematical methods that combine satellite observations with models to estimate greenhouse gas emissions and environmental parameters — essentially turning raw Earth observation data into actionable climate intelligence. Their work feeds directly into the EU's Copernicus programme, particularly its CO2 monitoring service, and extends to pan-Arctic observation systems integrating diverse data sources.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early work (2017-2020) centered on climate data assimilation, operational monitoring, and forecasting for polar regions through projects like CHE and KEPLER, with a strong Copernicus service orientation. From 2021 onward, the focus shifted toward anthropogenic emissions monitoring systems (CoCO2) and socially-inclusive Arctic observation networks incorporating indigenous knowledge (Arctic PASSION). The trajectory shows a move from pure technical modeling toward system-of-systems integration and community-engaged environmental monitoring.

Moving toward operational greenhouse gas monitoring services and inclusive, interoperable observation networks — well-positioned as the EU scales up its carbon emissions verification infrastructure.

How they like to work

Always participates as a specialist partner, never as coordinator — consistent with a solo consulting firm contributing deep technical expertise to large consortia. With 72 unique partners across just 4 projects, they operate in very large research networks (averaging 18+ partners per project). This suggests they are a trusted niche contributor whom major consortia seek out for specific inverse modeling and data assimilation capabilities.

Remarkably broad network for a solo consultancy: 72 unique consortium partners across 23 countries from just 4 projects. Their reach spans the European research landscape and extends into Arctic nations, reflecting the global scope of polar and climate monitoring programs.

What sets them apart

As a solo expert consultancy, The Inversion Lab offers highly specialized inverse modeling skills without institutional overhead — a rare, focused capability that large consortia cannot easily replicate internally. Their consistent involvement in flagship Copernicus and Arctic monitoring programs demonstrates that major EU initiatives actively seek this specific expertise. For consortium builders, they bring a proven track record of integrating into large, multi-national teams as a reliable technical specialist in atmospheric data assimilation.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Arctic PASSION
  Their largest funded project (EUR 301K) and most ambitious scope — building a pan-Arctic observing system that integrates indigenous knowledge with satellite data, signaling their evolution toward socially-engaged science.
• CoCO2
  Directly contributes to the prototype Copernicus CO2 monitoring service, which is a strategic EU priority for verifying compliance with the Paris Agreement.
• CHE
  Their earliest H2020 project on CO2 human emissions — the foundation that established their role in the EU greenhouse gas monitoring pipeline.