Dr. Meman, director of the Remote Sensing and Planetary Imaging Laboratory at Ben-Gurion University, is strengthening Israel's position in space exploration with a prestigious international position and a pioneering project to manage emergency situations using artificial intelligence.
Shamrit Meman, remote sensing, planetary imaging, Ben-Gurion University, space exploration, International Federation for Astronautics, Earth observations, satellite data, climate change, disaster management, international cooperation, artificial intelligence, emergency situations, environmental resilience, The UN project, Israel in space
Dr. Shamrit Meman, senior scientist and director of the Remote Sensing and Planetary Imaging Laboratory at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, has been elected to the position of Vice-Chairman of the Earth Observations Committee at the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). The appointment, approved at the Federation's annual conference in Milan, establishes Israel's position in the international space exploration arena.
The International Astronautical Federation is a central organization in the global space community, which includes about 500 members from 70 countries, including space agencies, research institutes, universities, and private companies. Its main purpose is to promote international cooperation in space research, technology, science and education.
"The position on the committee allows us not only to analyze the scientific information, but also to contribute to policy formulation and influence global decisions regarding burning issues such as climate change and natural disasters," Meman shares. "As part of the role, we turn the information received from satellites into a significant and influential tool in policy-making, while cooperating with global space and industry bodies. This field allows us to serve as mediators between science and practice and as promoters of international cooperation in space science and the environment."
In addition to her position at the Federation, Dr. Meman heads a pioneering project in Israel on behalf of the United Nations Office for Emergency Management from Space. The project is based on a combination of satellite information and artificial intelligence, with the aim of warning against disasters such as floods, fires and earthquakes. The project was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Dorit Nitzan and Dr. Stav Shapira from the School of Public Health at Ben-Gurion University, and aims to improve the abilities to manage and prepare for emergency situations and increase the resilience of communities around the world.
The new appointment and the advanced project illustrate Maman's vision for promoting innovative technologies and international collaborations. With eyes in space and feet on the ground, she continues to lead Israel to a central position in the arena of space exploration and the global environment.
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