G
Geodesy

ECS

Bits and Bites of Geodesy – Satellite Gravimetry: Studying Earth’s water cycle from space

February 27, 2026
Bits and Bites of Geodesy – Satellite Gravimetry: Studying Earth’s water cycle from space
Figure courtesy: Öykü Koç

During winter, mountains gain mass because of snow covering the peaks. In spring, the snow melts and flows downstream until it reaches the ocean or evaporates into the atmosphere to reach back on the surface as rain or snow. The global water cycle is very complex and essential for life on our planet. Did you know we can measure how the water is distributed by measuring its mass from space? How can ...[Read More]

PhD abroad: Shuxian Liu

and January 30, 2026
A graphical illustration in watercolour optic with human silhouettes in different colours, and several smaller elements such as an ocean and a satellite.
Figure courtesy: Öykü Koç

Doing a PhD is a challenge in itself. Doing it in another country, away from family and friends, is even harder. Handling the requirements of academia while adjusting to a new culture, language, and way of life can be overwhelming at times. But, doing a PhD abroad is not defined by challenges alone. A new academic and social environment can lead to new friendships, fresh perspectives, and personal ...[Read More]

Expanding the picture: Franck Ghomsi

October 31, 2025
A graphical illustration in watercolour optic with human silhouettes in different colours, and several smaller elements such as an ocean and a satellite.
Figure courtesy: Öykü Koç

What does a geodesist look like? And what happens if you don’t “look the part”? Today, Franck Ghomsi, a Black African scientist, takes us along on his journey between South Africa, Canada and Cameroon. Franck does not only research the impact of climate change on coasts with geodetic techniques, but at the same time became an expert in self-motivation, battling racism and fightin ...[Read More]

Climbing Through a PhD – Mental Health on the Way to the Summit

and October 10, 2025
Climbing Through a PhD – Mental Health on the Way to the Summit
The climb of the PhD Mountain. Figure created with ChatGPT.

Imagine you are going on a long mountain tour. Your backpack is heavy, the path is steep, and although you have been walking for hours, all you can see ahead of you is the next climb. Doing a PhD is like climbing such a mountain. It can feel exhausting, there is always the next challenge ahead and the finish line seems to never get closer. Self-doubt and the feeling of not doing enough accompanies ...[Read More]