Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Greece: Virtual Lecture and Field Workshop for Biochemistry and Biotechnology Students of the University of Thessaly, Greece
On 8 April 2025, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (University of Thessaly, Greece) and the 30th anniversary of the GLOBE Program, a lecture was delivered by Athanasios Theodorakopoulos at the Hippocrates Amphitheater of the Medical School of the University of Thessaly, covering multiple thematic sections, including an introduction to citizen science and the GLOBE Program, field research, and data collection.
Discussing how to take GLOBE field measurements
The presentation highlighted the strong connection between citizen science and the collaborative culture of hackerspaces, where public participation in scientific research becomes a hands-on, open, and community-driven experience. A great example of this is the involvement of the GLOBE Greece v-School in data collection within Olympus National Park through the GLOBE Program. The session showcased the construction of an instrument shelter for atmospheric measurements, the importance of proper sensor calibration, and the selection of the correct timing for data collection—with a special focus on local solar noon. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of satellites in supporting and validating Earth observations, with examples such as PACE, TERRA, AQUA, JPSS-1 (NOAA-20), AURA, CALIPSO, and Sentinel-5P. Additionally, the presentation covered field activities related to aerosol optical thickness (AOT) measurements and the use of the GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper, which links environmental observation to public health awareness.
Furthermore, the participation of Tinycore Lab Team and the GLOBE Greece v-School in global campaigns such as the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign, the European Phenology Campaign, and the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE) – Surface Temperature Intensive Observation Period (IOP), was highlighted. The session also acknowledged the inspiring work and guidance of the program leads, including Brian Campbell, Peder Nelson, and Peter Falcon.
On 10 April 2025, students from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology visited the Olympus National Park and participated in a workshop organized by GLOBE educator Athanasios Theodorakopoulos and GLOBE Greece v-School, where they were trained on the following GLOBE measurement protocols:
- Atmosphere: Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, Barometric Pressure, Precipitation, Clouds, and Surface Temperature
- Biosphere: Green Up, Trees (and tree height) and Land Cover
- Pedosphere: Soil Temperature
- Hydrosphere: Water Temperature at the following GLOBE sites:
- Research Area: LIT-193420S1 [UHIE – Grass]
- Research Area: LIT-193453S2 [UHIE – Asphalt]
- Research Area: LIT-193799S3 [Atmosphere investigation – Instrument Shelter]
- Research Area: LIT-216587S4 [Hydrosphere investigation]
- Research Area: LIT-218186S6 [European Phenology Campaign – Greening]
Taking GLOBE field measurements and collecting data
The students learned how to use the GLOBE Observer app and performed Tree Heights, Land Cover, and Clouds observations, and were introduced to the Mosquito Habitat Mapper. It was a wonderful sunny day and the students left feeling delighted! It is essential for students to understand the value of their contribution to an international community of peers, educators, and scientists, and to deepen their knowledge about our shared environment.
Learn more about GLOBE Greece.
Story and photos courtesy of Thanos Theodorakopoulos, GLOBE Greece and Tinycore Lab