Outreach

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.

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

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

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!