As part of a broader series introducing participants to space technologies across various application domains, this session focused on Space4Health. The discussion highlighted opportunities for space-based services and products while also addressing the specific needs of regional and local health sectors. Margarita Chrysaki, NEREUS Comm/Policy and Project officer moderated the session.
Session Objectives:
- Provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs faced by public authorities responsible for health policies.
- Explored how satellite technologies can support the health sector by improving services and decision-making.
- Showcased best practices, model use cases, and projects that demonstrated how space technologies contribute to addressing public and individual health challenges.
Key Presentations:
Copernicus Health Hub – Cristina Ananasso, ECMWF
Cristina Ananasso, Team Lead for Copernicus National Uptake and Thematic Collaborations at ECMWF, presented the Copernicus Health Hub. Her presentation explored how Earth Observation (EO) data are integrated to support public health users, with examples of successful applications. Given that the hub had been in standby mode for some time, the discussion was streamlined to focus on one key question regarding the challenges and gaps in using satellite data for health applications and how regional authorities could help address them.
EUSPA Activities in Health Applications – Gerda Kuum, EUSPA
Gerda Kuum, Market Development Expert at the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), delivered a presentation on EUSPA’s collaboration with medical companies to develop innovative space-based health applications. She emphasized recent healthcare market trends and ongoing pilot projects, most of which leveraged Earth Observation services. The presentation also covered successful use cases, highlighting the evolving role of GNSS and satellite communications in supporting health services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Panel Discussion & Moderated Questions
The session concluded with a moderated discussion, addressing critical questions such as:
- What are the main challenges in using satellite data for health applications, and how can regional authorities help mitigate them?
- How can GNSS and satellite communications enhance healthcare, especially in remote areas?
- How can Earth Observation and satellite-based services be better integrated into public health strategies at local, regional, and global levels?
The insights from this session reinforced the significant role of space technologies in advancing healthcare solutions and policy development.
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