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During her visit, Prof. Cetinić gave a seminar on NASA’s PACE mission and its applications in ocean science. Launched in 2024, PACE represents a major advance in satellite observation of the Earth, combining hyperspectral ocean-colour observations with multi-angle polarimetry. The mission provides detailed observations of ocean ecosystems and is particularly valuable for studying phytoplankton, their abundance and composition, and their role in marine biogeochemical processes.

 

 

The seminar introduced participants to the scientific objectives of the PACE mission and demonstrated how satellite observations can be used to address a range of questions in marine science. Particular attention was given to applications related to chlorophyll concentration, phytoplankton communities, harmful algal blooms and the estimation of carbon fluxes in marine ecosystems. The presentation also highlighted the importance of combining satellite observations with measurements collected directly in the ocean.

 

A hands-on workshop followed the seminar, focusing on the processing and analysis of PACE oceanographic data. Participants were introduced to current approaches and tools used for working with satellite observations and had the opportunity to explore how PACE data can be combined with other oceanographic datasets. The workshop provided practical experience with data-processing methods relevant to contemporary satellite oceanography.

 

 

The activities were closely connected to the objectives of PHOTOCLIM, which aims to improve the understanding of marine primary production and its sensitivity to climate change. Within the project, researchers at the Faculty of Science are developing mathematical approaches that combine in situ and satellite observations to better quantify marine primary production and carbon fluxes. The availability of high-resolution satellite observations from PACE provides new opportunities for extending these approaches across larger spatial scales.

 

The visit also provided an opportunity for students, assistants and postdoctoral researchers at the Faculty of Science to engage directly with a leading international researcher and gain practical experience with data from a current NASA mission. In addition to the technical training, discussions with Prof. Cetinić offered participants insight into international research programmes and career opportunities in oceanography, Earth observation and satellite-based marine science.

 

The seminar and workshop strengthened the connection between the PHOTOCLIM research team and the international ocean-observation community and provided a basis for further scientific exchange and collaboration. The activities also highlighted the growing importance of combining satellite observations, in situ measurements and mathematical modelling in understanding marine ecosystems and their response to climate change.

 

 

Detailed Schedule of the workshop is provided below:

9:30  - 10:00 Technical setup
10:00 - 11:00 Introduction to PACE 
11:00 - 11:15 Coffee break
11:15 - 12:00 PACE data access
12:00 - 12:15 Coffee break
12:15 - 13:00 Test cases
13:00 - 14:00 Discussion

Materials used during the workshop can be accessed here. More information on the PACE mission is available here. List of participants is provided below:

1. Ivona Cetinić, NASA

2. Žarko Kovač, PMF Split

3. Jadranka Šepić, PMF Split

4. Frano Matić, FZM Split

5. Natalija Dunić, IOR Split

6. Ružica Rumenović, FGAG Split

7. Dora Crmarić, IRB Šibenik

8. Marija Krstanović, PMF Split

9. Maria Marić, PMF Split

10. Jure Jakić, IOR Split

11. Nikola Metličić, PMF Split

12. Marin Vojković, PMF Split

13. Mia Pupić Vurilj, TU DELFT

14. Marijana Balić, PMF Split

15. Lucija Cokarić, PMF Split

16. Marija Bačeković Koloper, PMF Split

17. Manuela Spevec, PMF Zagreb

18. Antonija Matek, PMF Zagreb