She played a key role in developing the TROPOMI satellite instrument, which has proven to be a unique tool in the fight against global warming. She is receiving the Stevin Prize for this achievement, among other things.
TROPOMI stands for TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument. This advanced satellite instrument for climate and air quality research was developed in the Netherlands. It was launched in October 2017 aboard the European Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite. TROPOMI continuously scans the Earth for methane leaks and more. Its revolutionary optical technology captures highly precise images every second. This enables the measurement of greenhouse gases concentrations and air pollution down to the city level. Aben uses smart algorithms to convert the collected data into information on methane leaks, as well as emissions of harmful substances such as carbon monoxide.
Aben's work plays a central role in various UN programmes aimed at reducing methane emissions worldwide. Her team has located numerous methane leaks in the oil and gas industry, coal mines and landfills. They have helped to seal a number of these leaks, for example in oil fields in Central Asia and North Africa. Their insights have been instrumental in shaping international climate agreements such as the Global Methane Pledge. This international initiative has now been signed by 158 countries and aims to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030. Methane is responsible for one-third of global warming.
Ilse Aben combines scientific excellence with a strong social commitment. She is the leader of an influential research group at the NWO institute SRON (Space Research Organisation Netherlands) and holds the position of professor by special appointment at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. She has an impressive scientific track record and is considered an inspiring mentor. She has supervised dozens of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career researchers, many of whom are now leaders in their field. She also attracts talent from all over the world. This has enabled her to establish the internationally renowned ‘Dutch school of atmospheric research’, a network of research institutes and universities. She has also been involved in various public-private partnerships to develop new, even more accurate measuring instruments. In this context, work is currently underway in the Netherlands on the TANGO satellite.
Aben also makes an impact by actively seeking contact with the public and policymakers. She regularly appears in the media – from NOS Journaal to the New York Times – to emphasise the importance of reducing methane emissions. She has also spoken at various climate summits.
‘The Netherlands punches above its weight in global efforts to develop satellite-based greenhouse gas detection, and that is largely thanks to Ilse Aben’s work,’ said the Stevin selection committee.
Photo: Studio Oostrum