Who is who?

Ali Türker, PMP UDENE Project Coordinator

WEglobal

Since 1990, he leads breakthrough research and agile development with high impact in some of the largest organizations in InfoTech (TUBITAK – Research Council of Turkey), Telecom, FinTech, and EduTech. He has led projects across various sectors, contributing expertise beyond team management. Highlights include establishing a signal processing lab at TUBITAK, advancing standards at Nokia, introducing innovations at Garanti, and leading educational technology projects at SEBIT. His goal: broad-reaching technical innovations with a meaningful social impact.

As of 2019, she has been working as a Project Director at WEglobal’s esteemed Project Execution Unit, with a project management and GIS expert background dating back to 2008. Over these years, she has overseen various projects in agriculture, environment, justice, ICT, and vocational education in Türkiye, funded by entities such as the European Union, UNDP, WEglobal UNICEF, and national funds. Holding a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute, USA, I’ve honed a versatile skill set.

Gözde Türkcan, PMP UDENE Project Administrator

WEglobal

Maria Antonia Brovelli (Full) Professor

POLIMI

With a background in Physics and a PhD in Geodesy and Cartography, she is a Professor at Politecnico di Milano (PoliMI), specializing in GIS and sustainable development. Having started as a researcher, she became a Full Professor in 2010 and served as Vice-Rector from 2011 to 2016. Currently, she heads the PoliMI GEOLab. Engaged globally, she leads research in geospatial information, focusing on Open-Source GIS, Earth Observation and GeoAI.

Following his MSc in Civil Engineering for Risk Mitigation, Vasil joined Politecnico di Milano’s GEOlab in 2019 as a research fellow in the domain of geospatial applications for environmental studies. In 2022, he obtained his PhD in National Security. Over the years, Vasil has been part of several research projects, specializing in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Machine Learning, and contributing to the landslide hazard domain, deforestation monitoring, planetary mapping, and capacity building for higher education.

Vasil Yordanov, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

POLIMI

Nikola Obrenović Research Associate

BioSense

Nikola Obrenović is a Research Associate at the BioSense Institute, University of Novi Sad (UNS), Serbia. Before joining BioSense, Nikola was a postdoctoral researcher at the TRANSP-OR lab, at EPFL, Switzerland. Nikola has participated in several Horizon 2020 projects and currently coordinates the BioSense team for the UDENE project. He also led the BioSense’ team that won Copernicus Masters Commission Challenge – Space for Smart Mobility, in 2021.

Maksim Lalić is Research Assistant at the BioSense Institute, University of Novi Sad, Serbia. Maksim obtained his BSc (2017) and MSc (2018) degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad. From 2021, Maksim is a PhD student in Information systems and quantitative management at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Maksim participated in several national and international projects in the areas of Data Mining, Machine Learning and Operations Research.

Maksim Lalić Research Assistant

BioSense

Branislav Pejak PhD Studen

BioSense

Branislav Pejak, a PhD student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Novi Sad, also holds a BSc (2017) and MSc (2018) in Biomedical Engineering from the same institution. Since March 2018, he has been a Research Assistant at BioSense Institute’s Center for Information Technologies. His research focuses on data analytics of satellite images, particularly in crop classification and yield prediction using multispectral images, neural networks and generative adversarial networks. He actively participates in various H2020 and HE projects exploring ICT applications in agriculture.

Polina Maglevannaia is an MSc student in Applied Mathematics at the University of Novi Sad. She obtained a BSc and MSc in Geosciences from Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (2018). From 2018 to 2022, she held Research Assistant and Junior Researcher positions at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, working with analysis of geochemical large-scale data and forecasting models. Now, she focuses on optimization models in urban development applications.

Polina Maglevannaia MSc Student

BioSense

Andrija Velimirović Master Student / Intern

BioSense

Andrija Velimirović holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and currently he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science. He is interning at the BioSense Institute, University of Novi Sad (UNS) where, as a member of a team for the UDENE project, he is engaged in research focusing on Agent Based Modeling.

A yşe Yücel ERBAY graduated from Middle East Technical University (METU), Department of Geological Engineering in 1984. For three years, she worked as a research assistant at the Chemical Oceanography Department of Marine Sciences Institute at METU. Between 1987 and 1992, she worked as a seismic data interpreter at N.V.Turkse Shell. She received her Master’s degree from Bosporus NiK Director University, Environmental Sciences Institute in 1994. Since 1996, NiK İnsaat Ticaret Ltd. She works as a director in the Remote Sensing unit (NiK System) of the company. She has publications about geomorphology as a cowriter and many presentations and publications about Remote Sensing.

Ayşe Yücel ERBAY

NiK Director

Nuri Özer Erbay’s Assoc. Prof. Dr

NiK General Manager

He graduated from METU, Civil Engineering Department in 1982, He completed his master’s degree and doctoral studies at the Faculty of Business Administration of Istanbul University in 1987 and 2000 respectively. He founded NiK Company in 1993 and has been general manager of the company. He has carried out many international and national historical building, antiquities and restoration projects. He is honored by Australian Governor with Chancellor Order of Australia in 2001. Since 2000 and 2009 he has been teaching in Art and Museum Management Departments at Bosporus and Istanbul Universities respectively.

He is geospatial engineer on multidisciplinary studies of geosciences and geoinformation technologies. Along with fulfillment of graduate studies in Science and Engineering for his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Boğaziçi University, he conducted various technology-based projects and processes utilizing positional and imagery satellite data for environmental/hazardous monitoring as well as urban planning as part of his public competence as Dep. Director DG, National Geospatial Agency, research study at MIT/USA, and academic work in Istanbul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Management in between years 1983 and 2024.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. (PhD.) Onur Lenk

NiK

Assoc. Prof. Dr Nebiye Musaoğlu

NiK

Nebiye Musaoglu received her Ph.D. degree from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in 1999. She is currently a Full Professor at the Geomatics Engineering Department of ITU. Her research primarily revolves around remote sensing and image processing. Throughout her career, Dr. Musaoglu has made significant contributions to her field, authoring or co-authoring over 150 articles. Since 2021, she has served as the Vice Director of the ITU Center for Satellite Communications and Remote Sensing.

Bekir Kapukaya graduated from Yıldız Technical University’s Department of Geomatic Engineering in 2016. Then, he completed his master’s at the same university’s Institute of Science and Technology in Remote Sensing and GIS, graduating in 2023. He has worked as a GIS Specialist/Software Developer in various companies. He currently works as a GIS Software Developer, contributing to this field. His areas of expertise include GIS, Remote Sensing and Web/Desktop Software Development.

Bekir Kapukaya

NiK GIS Software Developer

Seda Nur Kara

NiK Geomatics Engineer

Seda Kara graduated from Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Department of Geomatics Engineering in 2023. She continues her master’s degree at ITU. In addition to her projects in the fields of Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and GIS, she has carried out studies on Agriculture and has conference papers published in ISPRS. She has been working as a Geomatics Engineer on remote sensing solutions at NiK İnsaat Ticaret Ltd. since September 2023.

Berkay Teker graduated from Istanbul Technical University’s Geomatics Engineering Department in 2022. He has been involved in a few data analyst projects. My personality is driven by a desire for exploration, constantly seeking out fresh challenges to overcome. I thrive in dynamic environments where I can apply my quick problem-solving abilities to navigate obstacles effectively. Embracing change and adaptability, I embrace each opportunity as a chance to expand my skills and knowledge.

Berkay Teker

NiK

Dr Vladimir Mrkajić

Head of the R&D Department, InoSens

Vladimir is working full-time in European projects planning, implementation & management activities (H2020, HORIZON EUROPE, Interreg, Cost Action). To complement his skills, he is occasionally involved in academic and policy research, journalism and civic-related activities. His diverse experiences have exposed him to the complexities of project planning and implementation, as well as the leadership thrill of successfully engaging and empowering citizens, organisations, experts and public authorities to work together.

As an Environmental Engineer, Maja brings a unique perspective to the UDENE project by leveraging her expertise. Her role at InoSens, a firm renowned for its excellence in project management and impact maximization of European projects (Horizon Europe, Interreg and Cost Action), enables her to contribute effectively to the development of UDENE. Her commitment to environmental protection and sustainability goals fuels her dedication to advancing urban sustainability through innovative solutions.

Dr Maja Sremački

Project Manager, InoSens

Ahmed El Fadhel

President of the Tunisian Space Association (TUNSA)

Following a Master’s degree in Astrophysics at the University of Nice (France), Ahmed El Fadhel joined a Belgian aerospace company as an R&D engineer. He is currently the President and co-founder of NeuronSat, a French startup developing geospatial intelligence solutions to support crisis operations. He is also the President of the Tunisian Space Association (TUNSA), an African NGO that aims to promote the use of space technology for socioeconomic and environmental development of Tunisia and Africa.

Mohamed is an expert in remote sensing and geospatial analysis and excels in projects around the world, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Niger, and Tunisia. With degrees in geomatics and geography, he bridges the gap between technical data and local people and farmers. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, he manages projects and presents scientific papers on land use, hydrology, GIS, remote sensing and data management at international conferences.

Mohamed Rajhi

Space Applications Department Leader, TUNSA

Hamza Barkallah

HR Team Leader, TUNSA

As an ERP and industrial engineering consultant, Hamza’s expertise includes process simulation and project management. His leadership in growth and innovation associations shows his commitment outside of work. He makes significant contributions to his areas of interest and leaves a lasting impression on every project he works on through his passion for growth and proactive approach to challenges.

Certified lawyer, Soura holds a master’s degree in business law. Interested in innovation, data protection, and digital law, she is also a cybersecurity law doctorate student. She is the Treasurer and Legal Advisor of the Tunisian Space Association, which she co-founded. The creation of the Tunisian Space Association’s Space Law Department was a first in the country, filling a key vacuum in this expanding subject.

Soura Mhiri

Treasurer and Legal Affairs Leader, TUNSA

Zaineb Naifer

Space Applications Department, TUNSA

Zaineb, an architect and graduate of the ENAU (Ecole Nationale d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme), worked for four months on the UNESCO “Street Art Museum of Uthina” before spending over three years in the Tunisian construction industry. She is now a doctoral student at ENAU and UCLouvain, specialising in the use of AI for parametric reverse engineering of Roman imperial baths.

Khalil is a senior web developer that brings a versatile skill set encircling both front-end and back-end development, where he has successfully implemented tailored solutions to meet the unique requirements of clients.

Khalil Ben Said

IT Team Leader

Syrine Soussi

Space Applications Department, TUNSA

Syrine is a territory planning engineer and PhD student in Landscape, Geography, and Territory Development at La Sorbonne University (France) and University of Sousse (Tunisia). She focuses on smart territory development in heritage cities using space-based new technology. She was a heritage landscape consultant for the Tunisian National Heritage Institute and a Sfax project planner. She can create territory action plans and process geospatial data with cloud computing services utilizing Python scripts like the open data cube.

As an experienced urban planner, Mohammed’s expertise in remote sensing and GIS database management, transforming data into dynamic, inspiring urban landscapes, merges with a flair for 3D modelling to bring urban projects to life. His extensive experience in video creation, editing and graphic design brings a unique artistic touch to every project.

Mohamed Said Ben Kheder

Space Applications Department, TUNSA

Imen El Ghoul

Space Applications Department, TUNSA

As an engineer and environmental sciences doctoral student, Imen studies the complex interactions between climate change, land use changes, and water resources. Passionate about space science, she is involved in projects at the Tunisian Space Association TUNSA, exploring space applications for sustainable environmental management. Her aim is to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for current and future environmental challenges.

Nesrine is an architect and a doctoral candidate focusing on vulnerable territories. With a Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Nesrine integrates cultural and environmental considerations into architectural projects. Today, her research focuses on tourism architecture and sustainable development, with an emphasis on conservation in the face of the challenges of coastal tourism. She is an enthusiastic teacher of architecture and urbanism and is committed to the promotion of sustainable urban environments. Her commitment lies in addressing the intricate complexities of urban development.

Nesrine Kechiche

Space Applications Department, TUNSA

Annalisa Donati

Secretary General, EURISY

Annalisa became Secretary General of Eurisy in 2021 after serving as Coordinator of Activities since January 2020. Today she is in charge of refining priorities and ensuring coherence with the trends identified by Eurisy’s Members and major stakeholders, as well as the implementation of an active communication strategy towards end users and experts and the overseeing of the organisation of events.

Convinced that space has much more to offer to society than society realises, Anaïs joined Eurisy as a Project Officer in 2023, after completing her LL.M in International Law and Security, to contribute to the promotion of satellite-based applications and solutions. Particularly interested in the impact of climate change on our planet and the socio-economic threats it poses, she wants to play her part in promoting efficient and sustainable ways to protect our environment, including our cities.

Anaïs Guy

Project Officer, EURISY

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Murat Özbayoğlu

TOBB ETÜ

Murat received his PhD degree from Engineering Management at Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA in 1996. He is currently a Professor of Artificial Intelligence Engineering at TOBB University of Economics and Technology, in Ankara, Turkey. His research interests include machine learning, pattern recognition, deep learning, financial forecasting, computational intelligence, machine vision. He has published more than 40 journal and 100 conference papers in his fields of research.