Through an EARLICOST Dissemination Conference Grant, Sol Fernández-Carvelo, PhD student in the Atmospheric Physics Research Group (GFAT), Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada (UGR), Spain, participated in ILRC 2026 and presented his research on advanced lidar techniques for aerosol characterization.

At the conference, Sol presented “GENERALIFE: Synergistic Raman Lidar and Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Enhanced Aerosol Typing”. Sol also presented work led by Samuel Villalba-Torres on high-resolution elastic lidar inversion techniques.

The conference provided an important opportunity to share EARLICOST-related research with the international lidar community, exchange expertise, strengthen existing collaborations and explore new opportunities for joint work across institutions and countries.

“Thanks to an EARLICOST Dissemination Conference Grant, I participated in ILRC 2026, where I presented our work, ‘GENERALIFE: Synergistic Raman Lidar and Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Enhanced Aerosol Typing’, exploring the combination of Raman lidar and fluorescence spectroscopy for improved aerosol characterization. I also presented work led by Samuel Villalba-Torres on high-resolution elastic lidar inversion techniques. ILRC 2026 was a great opportunity to promote EARLICOST, exchange knowledge with the international lidar community, strengthen existing scientific connections, and establish new ones. The support provided by EARLICOST facilitates the participation of early-career researchers in international events, increases the visibility of their research, and creates valuable opportunities for networking and future collaborations across institutions and countries. These exchanges opened up possibilities for joint work on fluorescence lidar, calibration, aerosol classification, and synergies between ground-based and satellite observations. I am grateful to EARLICOST and COST for supporting my participation and helping to strengthen international cooperation within the lidar community.”

— Sol Fernández-Carvelo, PhD student in the Atmospheric Physics Research Group (GFAT), Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada (UGR), Spain.

We are pleased to share a new publication supported by COST Action EARLICOST (CA24135).

“Validation of ceilometer aerosol profile retrievals using sun–sky photometer and balloon-borne in situ measurements” — published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (Copernicus/EGU).

This study evaluates the capability of operational ceilometers to retrieve aerosol backscatter and extinction profiles through a comprehensive evaluation against independent reference datasets.

Key highlights from the study:

• Two retrieval approaches are compared: the traditional Klett–Fernald backward inversion and a forward iterative method with independent calibration, evaluated against synergistic GRASPpac products and balloon-borne COBALD in situ measurements
• Observations were collected at three European stations with contrasting aerosol regimes: Granada (Spain), Payerne (Switzerland), and Lindenberg (Germany) during 2019 – 2020
• The forward iterative approach generally provides better agreement with reference datasets than the Klett–Fernald backward approach
• Under high aerosol load conditions, particularly during coarse-mode-dominated events, the forward retrieval reduces AOD uncertainties by ~50% and achieves root-mean-square errors comparable to those reported in previous validation studies
• The forward method maintains consistent accuracy throughout the troposphere, whereas the backward approach exhibits altitude-dependent biases, especially within dust layers
• COBALD balloon-borne backscatter measurements confirm that the forward retrieval reproduces observed aerosol structures within 10% – 30% deviation

The results support the integration of forward iterative ceilometer retrievals into existing observational networks such as E-Profile and ICENET, enhancing regional and continental aerosol monitoring capabilities.

Read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-10255-2026

Meet Dr. Anna Gialitaki, Postdoctoral Researcher at IAASARS, National Observatory of Athens, Greece, who received an EARLICOST ITC Conference Grant to participate in the 32nd International Laser Radar Conference (ILRC32), held in Hiroshima, Japan from 5–10 July 2026.

At the conference, Anna presented “Reproducing Dust Spectral Backscatter Using Simple Shape Mixtures” as an oral presentation, sharing research on the development of a new dust shape model based on ensembles of spheroidal and irregular hexahedra particles in random distributions, to reproduce the spectral polarimetric backscattering properties of irregularly shaped desert dust particles with the international scientific community. The grant provided an opportunity to present  and discuss her research results, to connect  with experts working on atmospheric lidar, aerosol remote sensing, and dust optical properties, to increase the visibility of both her work and EARLICOST and to explore opportunities for future scientific collaborations. 

“The study was received well by the scientific community that participated in the ILRC conference.”

– Dr. Anna Gialitaki 

Participation in ILRC32 contributed to the advancement of Anna’s research, expanded her scientific network and created opportunities for future collaboration. 

🔗 Learn more about EARLICOST grants: https://earlicost.eu/what-we-fund/  

We are pleased to present Dr Marco Di Paolantonio, a Post-Doctoral Researcher at ISMAR-CNR, Rome, Italy, who received an EARLICOST grant to attend the 32nd International Laser Radar Conference (ILRC32), held in Hiroshima, Japan, from 5–10 July 2026.

Marco presented his research on “Preliminary results from the Lidar-based Atmospheric Measurement at Pianosa (LAMP) field campaign”, focusing on the characterisation of marine-influenced atmospheric conditions in the Central Mediterranean using the MARCO Raman lidar system, which provides high-resolution profiles of aerosol optical properties, clouds, temperature, and water vapour.

The grant enabled him to exchange ideas with colleagues working on similar topics, build connections that go beyond email exchanges, and deepen his understanding of the broader lidar community’s challenges and directions.

“Attending this kind of conference in person is truly valuable: it gives you the opportunity to learn a lot, exchange ideas, and, most importantly, meet and get to know colleagues working on similar topics. I am really grateful for the opportunity EARLICOST provided me to take part in ILRC through the YRI grant!”

– Dr Marco Di Paolantonio

Through initiatives like the Young Researcher and Innovator Grant, EARLICOST continues to invest in the scientists shaping the future of atmospheric lidar research.

Learn more about EARLICOST grants:  https://earlicost.eu/what-we-fund/  

We are proud to introduce Víctor Manuel Naval Hernández, a PhD Student at Universidad de Granada, Spain, one of the young researchers supported by an EARLICOST grant to attend the 32nd International Laser Radar Conference (ILRC32) in Hiroshima, Japan (5–10 July 2026).

Victor presented his work on “Towards Operational Monitoring of Tropospheric Water Vapour with the Dual-Field Raman Lidar ALHAMBRA”. His research aims to obtain an improved characterisation with high vertical and temporal resolution of the distribution of water vapour in the atmosphere using the Raman lidar technique, with the ALHAMBRA system operating in Granada, Spain 

The grant enabled him to exchange insights with leading international researchers, strengthen his scientific communication skills, forge new collaborations within the lidar community, and raise the profile of early-career work across the EARLICOST network. 

“with the help of the YRIC grant, I was able to share my research about thermodynamic profiling with Raman lidar with the rest of the lidar community. Additionally, I was able to establish new links with the rest of the ERALICOST researchers working on the same topic.”
– Víctor Manuel Naval Hernández

Through initiatives like the Young Researcher and Innovator Grant, EARLICOST continues to invest in the scientists shaping the future of atmospheric lidar research.

With the support of an EARLICOST Young Researcher and Innovator Conference Grant, Maria Poutli, a PhD student in Environmental Physics at the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Cyprus University of Technology, participated in the 32nd International Laser Radar Conference (ILRC32), held in Hiroshima, Japan, from 5–10 July 2026.  

Maria presented research on “Long-range smoke transport from North America: Optical characterization of smoke layers over the Eastern Mediterranean by means of PollyXT lidar”, focusing on wildfire smoke events detected by the PollyXT Raman lidar in Limassol, Cyprus, during 2020–2025. The retrieved optical properties were generally consistent with values reported in the literature while also revealing distinctive observations, particularly regarding the lidar ratio and particle linear depolarization ratio.

Presenting this work at ILRC32 gave Maria the opportunity to discuss her findings with experts in atmospheric remote sensing, receive feedback on her research approach, and connect with researchers working on lidar observations, aerosol characterization, and long-range smoke transport. 

“Overall, my participation in the conference strengthened my scientific background and enhanced my understanding of current developments, methodologies, and research approaches in the field of atmospheric remote sensing. Furthermore, it increased the visibility of my work, facilitated interactions and potential collaborations with fellow researchers, and improved my communication and presentation skills through both the poster presentation and the flash talk.”

– Maria Poutli

Maria’s participation reflects EARLICOST’s commitment to supporting young researchers, strengthening international scientific exchange and increasing the visibility of emerging research within the atmospheric lidar community. 

We are pleased to feature Mrs. Anastasia Pantazi, a PhD Student at the National Observatory of Athens, Greece, who received an EARLICOST grant to participate in the 32nd International Laser Radar Conference (ILRC32), held in Hiroshima, Japan, from 5-10 July 2026.

Anastasia presented research on Assessing Aerosol and Cloud Geometrical Features and Types over the Mediterranean: Insights from CALIPSO, CLOUDSAT and EarthCARE Missions.

The experience offered valuable opportunities to:

• Receive feedback from international experts
• Develop scientific communication skills
• Build new professional connections
• Increase the visibility of emerging research in the EARLICOST community

“Presenting our team’s recent results from the CALIPSO, CloudSat, and EarthCARE missions at the world’s leading lidar conference allowed me to demonstrate how EARLICOST is pioneering the combination of data from different satellite missions.“  

– Anastasia Pantazi

By supporting young researchers and innovators, EARLICOST contributes to the development of the next generation of atmospheric lidar experts.

Learn more about EARLICOST grants:  https://earlicost.eu/what-we-fund/  

We are pleased to feature Avinash Yadav, a PhD in Atmospheric and Climate Physics at University of Hertfordshire, UK, who received an EARLICOST grant to participate in the 32nd International Laser Radar Conference (ILRC32), held in Hiroshima, Japan, from 5-10 July 2026.

Avinash presented a poster on “Chemical Characterisation of Atmospheric Dust with Spectroscopic Lidar” which was awarded the Best Poster Prize! This work presents the first atmospheric detection of mineral-specific Raman signatures from Saharan dust using the LITES lidar facility at the University of Hertfordshire. More details on this work can be found in their recent publication: https://lnkd.in/eXDhBCP2 

The experience offered valuable opportunities to:

• Receive feedback from international experts
• Develop scientific communication skills
• Build new professional connections
• Increase the visibility of emerging research in the EARLICOST community

“As a PhD student, my motivation to participate in the ILRC stems from the critical need to validate and advance my research on a global stage. My current work, focusing on the novel spectroscopic lidar and chemical characterization of atmospheric mineral dust, sits at the intersection of innovative lidar technology and advancement in aerosol chemistry. Presenting these findings at ILRC is a vital milestone for my academic and professional development.”
– Avinash Yadav

By supporting young researchers and innovators, EARLICOST contributes to the development of the next generation of atmospheric lidar experts.

Learn more about EARLICOST grants:  https://earlicost.eu/what-we-fund/  

Μeet Dr. Alexandra Tsekeri, Post-Doc Researcher at the National Observatory of Athens, Greece, who received an EARLICOST ITC Conference Grant to participate in the 32nd International Laser Radar Conference (ILRC32), held in Hiroshima, Japan, from 5-10 July 2026.

At the conference, Alexandra presented “Saharan Dust PLDR Using Realistic Shapes, Sizes and Refractive Indices”  as an oral presentation, part of Session O6: Lidar studies of clouds, aerosols and their interactions.

The grant provided an opportunity to:

• Communicate with experts in the field of active remote sensing
• Receive valuable feedback on the methodology and results of the study
• Increase the visibility of EARLICOST and its work on advanced atmospheric profiling technologies 

“The accurate modelling of the dust optical properties is an open scientific question, particularly for the backscatter, mainly due to the irregular shapes and large sizes of the particles. The results presented in ILRC32 conference of a new dust scattering model contribute in improving the representation of non-spherical aerosols in lidar retrieval algorithms, supporting EARLICOST objectives on advancing atmospheric profiling products. ILRC32 conference was an ideal forum to facilitate communication and possibly the application of the developed dust scattering model within the lidar remote-sensing community.”

– Dr. Alexandra Tsekeri

Learn more about EARLICOST grants:  https://earlicost.eu/what-we-fund/  

Are you a high-level researcher in physics or atmospheric sciences looking for your next big challenge? Imagine leading cutting-edge climate research and inspiring the next generation of scientists, all while living in a UNESCO World Heritage tropical paradise.

Université de La Réunion is officially recruiting a Full Professor (Professeur des Universités) specializing in Mechanics, with expertise in Atmospheric Aerosols!

This tenured position is based in Saint-Denis de la Réunion, within the Faculté des Sciences et Technologies – Université de La Réunion, with research activities hosted at the Laboratoire de l’Atmosphère et des Cyclones.

Deadline to apply is September 1st, 2026.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dN9TjNJF

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to merge world-class atmospheric research with an exceptional quality of life!

photo credit: https://lacy.univ-reunion.fr/