Alexander Damm has worked since 2008 at the Department of Geography, University Zurich, at present as senior teaching and research assistant and group leader. His research is concerned with the development of spectroscopic concepts for ecosystems and environmental analysis. Among other tasks, he is involved in a large project at the European Space Agency ESA, in which the future satellite mission “Fluorescence Explorer” (FLEX) for global estimates of plant photosynthesis is being developed. The measurements taken by the FLEX mission will allow substantial progress in ecosystems research and will advance current understanding of carbon, water and energy exchange between the soil, vegetation, and the atmosphere.

In his new position, Alexander Damm will continue to do research and to teach at the University of Zurich. In addition, he will co-supervise PhD students and collaborate with scientists at Eawag to facilitate the use of remote sensing for aquatic research at Eawag. He will have a workspace at Eawag in Dübendorf.

Expanding competence

“I am very much looking forward to working in this interdisciplinary setting”, says Alexander Damm and adds: “I see great potential for cooperation and many thematic overlaps.” Dr. Damm has been contributing to the development of new remote sensing approaches that allow assessing the role of vegetation in the water cycle or establishing new possibilities measuring surface water quality. Both Eawag and the University of Zurich will equally benefit from this joint assistant professorship and can further develop their competence in the area of remote sensing of aquatic systems.