applications
Researcher applications are open!
Please check the dedicated FAQ section below for more information. Make sure to follow ESL’s Linkedin and Twitter or subscribe here to keep informed on any updates, including the specific challenge areas which will be made available in the coming weeks!
Please email team@trillium.tech with any questions.
ESL 2025 Information Session
The 2025 information session will be held in January 2025. Find previous Alumni talks below!
Embark on an intellectual journey with Earth Systems Lab, where the drive of innovation meets academic excellence and a vibrant community. Read more in our brochure:
WHY APPLY?
Be part of the team
Interdisciplinary teamwork is at the heart of the ESL philosophy, and our experience has shown that a mix of skill sets creates results far greater than the sum of their individual parts. Working closely during the eight-week research sprints, teams achieve outputs that might otherwise take years.
Our growing international network provides great value for its members, many of whom have continued work on projects they began at ESL.
Researchers have also gone on to join some of the world’s most prestigious technology, Earth Observation companies and academic institutions in a variety of roles. ESL projects have been featured in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, posters and numerous news features.
Build best practices
Best practices in artificial intelligence are still emerging, and ESL is at the forefront of developing effective workflows for AI development in the space sector. Our team-focused approach enables an expertise chain that can tackle problem definition, data source aggregation, workflow composition, algorithm development, creation of inference models and deployment in an efficient manner. We are conscious that teaching machines to learn is different from traditional software development and this requires a new approach.
Unlock powerful partnership opportunities
ESL has developed strong relationships with world-class AI researchers and leaders in technology. Their support helps us overcome hurdles using solutions that would usually be beyond the easy reach of researchers, such as state-of-the-art hardware to facilitate rapid iteration and a wealth of experience and expertise in building robust AI workflows.
Help humanity
ESL brings brilliant minds to big questions - such as ‘can we democratise ML for faster, more effective preparation for and response to natural disasters and extreme weather events?’ - and gives researchers a chance to develop solutions with the potential to advance science, inform debate and save lives. From asteroid characterisation to early-warning systems for natural disasters, there is huge potential to make a difference with ESL.
Ask Earth Systems Lab Alumni:
What is FDL EUROPE, and why should you apply?
Ioanna Bouri, FDL Europe 2022 Alumnus
Anna Jungbluth, FDL Europe 2019-2022 Alumnus&Faculty
Raúl Ramos, FDL Europe 2022 Faculty
FAQS
What sort of applicants are we looking for?
The participants in ESL are PhD or postdoctoral level researchers in AI, data science and/or space sciences. Successful candidates are matched to form small multidisciplinary, complementary teams for the research sprints. ESL carefully curates teams from all the researchers that make it through to the final selection pool, taking into account subject expertise, technical capacity and ability to work across disciplines.
I’m not sure if I meet all the criteria, should I still apply?
We are looking for a diverse group of individuals, so we strongly encourage you to apply even if you’re not sure that you meet our criteria. Teamwork skills are just as important as anything else. That said, we expect to have many more applicants than available places, so we will prioritise applicants in PhD or postdoctoral programs.
When do applications close?
Applications close on March 31, 2025. There is the possibility of an additional call for applicants if specific domain or subject specialists are needed to match the challenge questions, but this is not guaranteed.
Once I apply, what is the timeframe for receiving an interview invitation?
Applicants are interviewed as they come in, meaning the sooner you apply, the sooner the interview process begins. Because of this, applying sooner than later is highly encouraged.
When can I expect an answer regarding my application?
Researchers will be informed about the outcome of the application process after the applications close, during April 2025.
What are the dates of the Earth Systems Lab research sprint?
The sprint takes place over eight weeks from mid-June to mid-August. Full-time commitment is required throughout the duration of the research sprint.
Is ESL a full time commitment?
Yes. ESL is a full-time commitment and beyond. Teams need to work hard over the eight weeks to achieve state-of-the-art results. In return, ESL provides a unique opportunity to work with globally recognised leaders in the field and produce career-enhancing work into the future.
Do I need to put my own research on hold?
During the research sprint, teams work intensively on their projects and are expected to be present and active for the full eight weeks. There may also be additional social activities and field trips so be prepared to be kept busy. However, the work you do during ESL will complement your research - either by providing a deep-dive introduction to emerging AI techniques to take back to your own investigations, or providing an opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with world-class experts from ESA and the private sector. Researchers from previous ESL programmes have commented on the value of getting a fresh perspective and strong relationships and friendships.
Do I have to pay to take part in ESL?
No. Researchers receive a stipend for the duration of the programme as well as complimentary accommodations for any in-person portion of the programme.
Is FDL Europe an accompanied programme?
No. Accommodation is provided for researchers but we have no additional accommodation available for friends and family during in-person portions of the program.