About us
Remote sensing of Aerosols, Clouds and Trace gases (ReACT) is the Atmospheric Remote Sensing (RS) Research Unit operating under the Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS) of the National Observatory of Athens (NOA). ReACT consists of highly motivated scientists within the field of Atmospheric Sciences, combining several Post-doc researchers, Ph.D. and M.Sc. students as well as other research and technical staff, using the resources and infrastructure of IAASARS/NOA.
The scientific mission of ReACT is to promote world-class research towards understanding the Mediterranean climate and the regional processes that lead to extreme weather. More specifically, ReACT utilizes the synergy of ground-based and space-borne remote sensing along with theoretical models to understand the complex aerosol-cloud-radiation interactions that we meet in the Mediterranean environment.
To achieve its mission, the experimental and theoretical work of ReACT is dedicated to: (a) the development of new atmospheric remote sensing technologies, (b) the operation of observing facilities for continuously monitoring of the atmosphere, (c) the development of new retrievals from ground-based and spaceborne remote sensors, (d) the utilization and improvement of Earth System Models in synergy with observations to study atmospheric processes.
The vision of ReACT is to advance atmospheric remote sensing research in the Mediterranean region and beyond. By integrating innovative observational techniques, satellite data, and advanced modelling methods, ReACT aims to deepen the scientific understanding of aerosol, clouds, and trace gases processes and their impact on Earth’s climate system.
Through its research activities, ReACT contributes to improving the understanding of atmospheric processes that influence climate variability, air quality, and extreme weather events in the Mediterranean and beyond. The knowledge developed supports the advancement of climate and environmental services and contributes to evidence-based decision-making for climate adaptation and mitigation. ReACT aims to generate scientific outcomes with long-term value for both the research community and society and to foster a dynamic research environment that promotes scientific excellence, international collaboration, and the training of the next generation of atmospheric scientists.