Objective Remote sensing can provide systematic global estimations of vegetation structure and biochemistry imparting data such as leaf area index (LAI), water content or fractional light interception by green vegetation (fPAR). However a global network of standardize validation sites is required to reduce the uncertainty of these products. As part of that effort, SpecNet (Spectral Network), an independent international collaborative research iniciative, promotes the acquisition of field optical remote sensing and vegetation properties. These sites are also generally part of the flux tower network (FLUXNET) to better understand carbon and water vapor fluxes. The proposed Staff Exchanges will promote SpecNet by linking joint research activities that will work to develop methodologies to estimate vegetation biochemistry and structure from remote sensing, including the design, validation and assessment of new bi-dimensional and tri-dimensional radiative transfer models. We will emphasize the analysis and quantification of the uncertainty associated with the estimation of the vegetation parameters at different spatial scales, linking them to the flux tower measurements. A scaling-up methodology will be tested by comparing spectral information at leaf, canopy and ecosystem level using laboratory and field spectroscopy, airborne hyperspectral image, Lidar data and multispectral satellite data. We will adapt and distribute standard field protocols for different ecosystems and establish consensus on the metadata to include in the datasets. The results of these contributions will be made available to the academic community, and research conclusions drawn will be published in international journals. In these Staff Exchanges each participant will also seek to share their knowledge within their area of expertise by organizing training seminars for undergraduate and graduate students, also involving local, regional and/or national management agencies according to their needs or demands. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistryengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technologyengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringremote sensingnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IRSES - Marie Curie Action "International Research Staff Exchange Scheme" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IRSES See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IRSES - International research staff exchange scheme (IRSES) Coordinator AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS EU contribution € 140 400,00 Address CALLE SERRANO 117 28006 Madrid Spain See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Alberto Sereno álvarez (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7 Participation ended France EU contribution No data Address Rue Thomas Mann F-75205 / 13 Paris See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Muriel Maurice (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data UNIVERSIDAD DE ALCALA Spain EU contribution € 32 400,00 Address PLAZA DE SAN DIEGO 28801 Alcala De Henares/Madrid See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Francisco Javier Salas (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data FONDAZIONE EDMUND MACH Italy EU contribution € 68 400,00 Address VIA EDMONDO MACH 1 38098 San Michele All'Adige See on map Region Nord-Est Provincia Autonoma di Trento Trento Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Roberto Chincarini (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data