From 23–25 February 2026, researchers from the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (ECoE) visited ARMINES in Sophia Antipolis, France, as part of the ATARRI short-term staff exchange, following the Solar Winter School 2026.
The visit brought together researchers from the Energy cluster (Dr Efthymios Georgiou, Georgia Charalampous) and the Atmospheric cluster (Aspasia Pallikaridou) to exchange expertise and strengthen collaboration.
Discussions focused on atmospheric modelling, solar radiation assessment, and Earth Observation data applications, including the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). Sessions also explored solar irradiance modelling, photovoltaic system analysis, life-cycle assessment of PV technologies, and emerging applications such as Agri-PV, bifacial PV, and urban solar.
Participants further discussed the growing role of AI and data science in climate and energy research, as well as approaches for open Earth Observation data dissemination, spatial data infrastructures, and digital platforms supporting EO services.
As part of the programme, researchers visited a local photovoltaic power plant, gaining practical insights into solar energy system deployment and performance. The exchange also supported alignment of the CARO and Solar data framework with FAIR Principles and ACTRIS standards.