AMALEO
AMALEO - Certificate Program Applied Machine Learning in Earth Observation
Category: Incubator Grant
University:
University of Bordeaux, University of Göttingen, University of Groningen
Period:
2025-2027
This project builds on our existing collaboration through the Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) “Deep Learning for Forestry” and “AI for Forest and Landscape Remote Sensing”, which began in 2023 in partnership with the universities of Groningen, Ghent and Bordeaux. Due to their success, we are expanding the BIPs into a full certificate programme comprising multiple courses adapted to different student backgrounds.
The main goal of the AMALEO project is to develop the certificate programme by creating new virtual courses and course regulations, as well as an overall programme that will train students in Forestry and Remote Sensing, AI, and Data Science with the Python programming language.
Personal highlight:
Being able to develop a new academic program, it is a great opportunity that is not available every day.
I am interested in teaching machine learning to a wide audience, so this course is a great fit for me and will provide valuable experience and student feedback. In the future, we plan to co-supervise PhD students between the fields of AI and forestry.
Thanks to the course, I also gained valuable experience in blended learning and discovered a new research interest: Forestry and Remote Sensing.
Participants and Stakeholders
Coordinator: Dr. Matias Valdenegro, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Assistant Professor of Machine Learning, University of Groningen
Other Partner Institutions:
- University of Göttingen (DE)
- University of Bordeaux (FR)
Team Composition:
- University of Groningen (NL), Faculty of Science and Engineering: Dr. Tsegaye Tashu
- University of Göttingen (DE), Faculty of Forest Science and Forest Ecology: Dr. Nils Nolke, Dr. Lutz Fehrmann
- University of Bordeaux (FR), Faculty of Biology: Pr. Jean-Christophe Taveau, Pr. Patricia Thébault
Objectives
The overall objective of the AMALEO project is to develop a certificate programme entitled 'Applied Machine Learning in Earth Observation' by integrating the BIP 'Deep Learning for Forestry' to create an 18 ECTS programme in which students will learn about machine learning, forestry and data science/bioinformatics.
Learning outcomes:
- Explain and apply key machine learning concepts and algorithms, including deep learning and image analysis techniques.
- Manage, process and analyse complex environmental datasets using statistical, computational and cloud-based tools.
- Integrate multi-sensor remote sensing data for environmental monitoring and decision-making.
- Develop data-driven solutions to real-world challenges in forestry, climate change and land use, using interdisciplinary approaches.
- Collaborate effectively in international, cross-disciplinary teams and communicate findings to diverse audiences.
Contact
Contact Person: Dr. Matias Valdenegro, University of Groningen
Additional Information
We expect the certificate programme to attract participants from all ENLIGHT universities, and eventually even from other non-partner universities. For the UG, we also expect this to lead to funded PhD projects and co-supervision. Ultimately, we would like to see the certificate programme grow into a joint master's programme.