News
ICONEEx Research Presented at ESA Living Planet Symposium 2025
May 2025
Dr. Wahaj Habib presented a poster at the ESA Living Planet Symposium 2025, showcasing research work from the ICONEEx project. The Living Planet Symposium is ESA's flagship Earth observation conference, bringing together scientists, researchers, and industry professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advances in Earth observation science and applications.
The presentation highlighted the innovative approaches being developed in the ICONEEx project for upscaling Irish CO₂ Net Ecosystem Exchange using satellite-driven models, demonstrating how high-resolution remote sensing data can be integrated with ground-based measurements to monitor carbon dynamics across Ireland's diverse ecosystems.
ESA Living Planet Symposium 2025:
Learn more about the symposium: ESA Living Planet Symposium 2025
The symposium focuses on Earth observation science, applications, and the role of satellite data in understanding our changing planet.
Dr. Wahaj Habib Participates in 8th ICOS Summer School
May 2025
Dr. Wahaj Habib participated in the 8th ICOS Summer School, which took place from 5th-15th May 2025 at Hyytiälä Forest Station (University of Helsinki) in Finland. This intensive 10-day program brought together 35 students, including MSc students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and research station staff to learn about the carbon cycle and climate change relevant to ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System).
The Summer School featured lectures and practical sessions on carbon cycle measurements, data management principles, and measurement techniques. Participants engaged in both theoretical learning and hands-on experience, which directly complements the ICONEEx project's focus on carbon dynamics and ecosystem monitoring. The program also provided valuable networking opportunities with the international ICOS community.
Beyond the scientific program, participants enjoyed evening activities including volleyball, rowing, and traditional Finnish sauna experiences, fostering collaboration and friendships within the carbon research community.
ICOS Summer School Information:
Learn more about ICOS Summer Schools: ICOS Summer School Programme
The ICOS Summer School is part of the Horizon Europe project "New Users for a Better ICOS (NUBICOS)" and focuses on greenhouse gas measurements and carbon cycle research.
Data Sharing Agreement with Teagasc Finalised
April 2025
We are happy to announce that we have finalised the signing of a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) with Teagasc to acquire eddy covariance flux tower data. This collaboration is crucial for the ICONEEx project, enabling us to integrate high-quality, long-term data from the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) into our models. NASCO, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), is establishing 28 Eddy Covariance Flux Towers across various agricultural landscapes in Ireland. This initiative will provide vital information on carbon dynamics, improve carbon sequestration assessment, and contribute to national inventory reporting. Learn more about NASCO here.
Dr. Wahaj Habib Named Ireland's Arctic Frontiers Emerging Leader for 2025
January 2025
Dr. Wahaj Habib was named Ireland's Arctic Frontiers Emerging Leader for 2025. As one of the selected participants for this program (out of about 200 applicants globally and 10 applicants in Ireland) funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Norway and the Marine Institute, Wahaj was invited to small group meeting in January to travel through Northern Norway.
Arctic Frontiers Resources:
Read about his experience: Ireland's Arctic Frontiers Emerging Leader Report 2025
For more information visit: Arctic Frontiers Emerging Leaders Programme
ICONEEx Team Publishes Paper at Teagasc "Counting Carbon" Conference
June 2024
Dr. Matthew Saunders (main author), along with co-authors Dr. John Connolly and Dr. Wahaj Habib from the ICONEEx team, published a paper titled "Counting carbon on agricultural peat soils" at the Teagasc "Counting Carbon: Science and Practice" conference. This work provides crucial insights into carbon dynamics in peat ecosystems and represents a key contribution from the ICONEEx project team.
The paper addresses carbon measurement methodologies and challenges in agricultural peat soils, which represent a significant component of Ireland's terrestrial carbon cycle. This research directly supports the ICONEEx project's objectives of upscaling Net Ecosystem Exchange measurements across Ireland's diverse ecosystems, with particular focus on the extensive peatland areas that are critical for national carbon reporting and climate policy.
Publication Access:
Access the full paper: Counting Carbon on Agricultural Peat Soils (PDF)
Authors: Dr. Matthew Saunders, Dr. John Connolly, Dr. Wahaj Habib
Conference: Teagasc "Counting Carbon: Science and Practice"
Poster Presentation at EGU 2024
April 2024
Dr. John Connolly and Dr. Wahaj Habib participated in the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2024 in April, where they presented a poster on the ICONEEx project, detailing what will be achieved in the project over the coming years.
EGU 2024 Abstract:
View the abstract on the Copernicus website.
ICONEEx Project Kicks Off!
April 2023
We are excited to announce the official launch of the ICONEEx project. Stay tuned for updates!