Outreach

21/08/2025
Allgemein Outreach

Global Media Spotlight on M³OCCA Research: Perito Moreno Glacier Study Gains International Attention

The IDP M³OCCA is proud to announce the remarkable international reception of the study “The State and Fate of Glaciar Perito Moreno, Patagonia”, recently published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment (link).

The study led by Moritz Koch, affiliated doctoral candidate of the M³OCCA program, in close collaboration between FAU’s Institute of Geography and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), sheds new light on the dynamics and future of one of the world’s most iconic glaciers. This work exemplifies the strong interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific excellence fostered within M³OCCA.


International Media Coverage

The groundbreaking results have resonated widely beyond the academic community. Major international outlets have reported on the study, including:

  • The New York Times: “A Famously Stable Glacier in Argentina Suddenly Looks Anything But” (read here)
  • ABC News: “Massive 18-Mile-Long Patagonia Glacier Experiencing Rapid Change” (read here)
  • Die Zeit (Germany): “Perito-Moreno-Gletscher in Argentinien zieht sich zurück” (read here)

Additionally, the research has been featured in leading radio outlets, including an in-depth interview for Deutschlandfunk’s “Forschung aktuell” (listen here, minute 10).


Research Impact

The study’s reach is also reflected in its exceptional Altmetric performance (last update 21.08.25):

  • Ranked 61st of 197,646 articles of similar age across all journals
  • Ranked 1st among all articles of similar age in Communications Earth & Environment

These metrics highlight the outstanding scientific and societal relevance of the work.


A Showcase of M³OCCA Collaboration

The success of this publication underscores the spirit of the M³OCCA program, where young researchers work hand in hand with leading institutions. Lead author Moritz Koch demonstrates the program’s commitment to producing research that resonates both within academia and with the public worldwide.

24/07/2025
Allgemein Event Outreach

IDP M3OCCA second phase is approved

The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Arts has approved a second phase of the International Doctorate Program “Measuring and Modelling Mountain Glaciers and Ice caps in a Changing Climate” (IDP M³OCCA) as part of the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB). In the second phase, we will continue the close collaboration between FAU, the Technical University of Munich, the Microwave Institute of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (BAdW).

The aim of the IDP is to develop innovative methods and technologies to quantify global glacier retreat more accurately over large areas and reduce existing uncertainties. Artificial intelligence techniques are used, for example, to analyze large-scale satellite data or to improve physics-based process models. In addition, the researchers are further developing pioneering technologies such as radar tomography and geophysical models to enable improved forecasts.

Starting in June 2026, nine doctoral students will be funded for four years by the ENB. In addition, the new funding includes a postdoctoral position to help graduates of the current funding phase transition into independent scientific work. M³OCCA is characterized by a high degree of internationality and interdisciplinarity and trains its young scientists in a structured support program in addition to their professional qualifications. In addition to the doctoral students funded by the ENB, doctoral students from other funding programs—such as various junior research groups—are explicitly allowed and encouraged to participate in the IDP in order to create a broader scientific and thematic basis and facilitate lively exchange.

13/02/2025
Event Outreach

Our doctoral candidates present their research in short videos

Our doctoral candidates participated in an activity to make their research better accessible to the broad public. Many of them therefore created short videos where they briefly present themselves and their work. Check it out here:

(the webcam video shown in Manuels video is taken from www.foto-webcam.eu)

14/10/2024
Outreach

Geography at “Klimatag” at Paul-Pfinzing-Gymnasium Hersbruck

At the “Klimatag” (Climate Day) at Paul-Pfinzing-Gymnasium Hersbruck, Thorsten Seehaus (M3OCCA PI) and Philipp Malz from the Institute of Geography at FAU presented the latest findings from glacier research and informed the pupils about the effects of climate change on glaciers. An interactive glacier quiz rounded off the event and ensured fun and lively interest among the pupils. With this participation, the Institute of Geography is committed to raising awareness of climate change and getting young people interested in climate protection and geography.

14/08/2024
Outreach

M3OCCA presents research at “Meile der Wissenschaft” at the Schlossgartenfest in Erlangen

Our team had the opportunity to represent the M3OCCA doctoral program at the “Meile der Wissenschaft” during the Schlossgartenfest in Erlangen. This unique event, which brings together FAU staff and prominent figures from the region, was a blend of science, culture, alongside dancing and international cuisine until late into the night.
We were one of three scientific booths, where we presented our research on glacier modeling to a broader public. Visitors engaged in insightful conversations about our work, exploring the importance of glaciers and the impacts of climate change. We showcased the instruments and methods we use to monitor glacier changes, and participants enjoyed an interactive 3D visualization dashboard, which demonstrated glacier projections under various climate scenarios.
Our tent provided a cool space for discussions on a record-breaking hot night (thanks to an ice cube machine!), all while being dressed up in style for the occasion. The event offered a wonderful chance to share our work with the public and highlight the crucial role of glaciers in understanding our changing planet.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo copyright: Veena Prasad

06/02/2024
Outreach

Invited talk with the Federal Minister of Education and Research Bettina Stark-Watzinger at the Digital Summit 2023 by Nora Gourmelon

Explaining my research to the Federal Minister of Education and Research Bettina Stark-Watzinger at the Digital Summit 2023 was a great privilege! The Minister impressed me with her eagerness to understand the connections and implications of my research. My research area is green AI, where I am currently focusing on AI-based automation of glacier monitoring.With this automation, it will soon be possible to study the dynamics of glacier calving fronts in the Arctic over the years and during different seasons. This knowledge will help us to better understand the effects of climate change on glaciers. In addition, we will be able to calibrate our glacier and climate models with the extracted front positions and thus further improve them.

by Nora Gourmelon

Copyright photos: AI Grid/Franziska Peters

15/05/2023
Outreach

AI Newcomer Award 2023 goes to Nora Gourmelon from FAU’s Pattern Recognition Lab

Nora Gourmelon (Photo: second from right) is honored with the AI Newcomer Award 2023 in the field of natural and life sciences for her research in Green AI, a research field that tackles sustainability-related problems with AI.

In her current work, conducted as part of the International Doctoral Program (IDP) “Measuring and Modeling Mountain glaciers and ice caps in a Changing ClimAte (M³OCCA),” she is developing deep-learning techniques for extracting glacier front positions from satellite imagery.

When asked what the award means to her, Gourmelon responds: “The award helps to raise awareness of how you can also get involved in biodiversity and climate protection as a computer scientist. In addition, I am, of course, also very pleased about the great recognition for my research to date.”

The AI Newcomer Award is granted by the German Association of Computer Science (Gesellschaft für Informatik) to young researchers under 30 years for innovative developments in the area of artificial intelligence.

The award ceremony took place in Berlin on April 26 as part of “KI-Camp 2023,” an event for young AI researchers organized by the German Association of Computer Science and the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung).

The recording of the ceremony will be published here soon.

The award has also attracted the attention of the media and the press!