Elnaz Neinavaz

Elnaz Neinavaz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and affiliated with the Digital Society Institute. Her research focuses on advancing remote sensing techniques to monitor biodiversity, forest health, and ecosystem dynamics. She leads collaborative projects like OBSGESSION and contributes to initiatives such as EuroGEO Showcases and NextGEOSS, emphasizing Earth observation for environmental policy and global sustainability.

Her expertise spans thermal infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and satellite data integration. Key research areas include predicting soil microbial diversity using DESIS satellite data, assessing bark beetle infestation impacts via high-resolution imagery, and developing portals for essential biodiversity variables (EBVs).

• Recent work highlights include:
• Quantifying canopy nitrogen in acidified forests and monitoring land surface emissivity variability.
• Advocating for policy-aware soil acidity monitoring in protected Natura 2000 areas.
• Advancing UAS-based thermal imaging for precision agriculture and forest health diagnostics.

Neinavaz received the EO4all Prize (2022) for promoting inclusive Earth observation practices. She actively participates in international conferences and co-leads data-hub initiatives connecting remote sensing communities with policymakers.