IN PROFILE: Dr. Maurice Borgeaud, IEEE Fellow

By Joanne Van Voorhis

Dr. Maurice Borgeaud is a recognized leader in his field, and was named an IEEE Fellow in 2013, “for leadership in microwave remote sensing from spaceborne systems and retrieval of bio‑physical and geo‑physical parameters for land applications.” This recognition underscores his key role in advancing remote sensing science, algorithms, and satellite retrieval methods. He holds an engineering degree from EPFL in Lausanne and earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Early in his career, he co-authored pioneering work on microwave remote sensing establishing polarimetric scattering models accounting for anisotropy and volume structure—foundational for later climate, vegetation, and cryosphere applications. He also spent a one-year sabbatical leave at NASA-JPL in 1992.

ESA and Beyond

Dr. Borgeaud served as the Head of Science, Applications, and Climate Activities Department within the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Observation Directorate from 2011 until his retirement at the end of 2022. Throughout his tenure at ESA, Dr. Borgeaud played a pivotal role in bridging the agency with the scientific community, industry partners, and ESA Member States. He was instrumental in shaping proposals for pioneering science satellite missions dedicated to Earth observation (EO), while also fostering the expansion of novel EO-based applications. He actively promoted international cooperation in the domain of Earth observation, particularly between ESA and NASA. His leadership was central to formulating ESA’s long-term strategy for science and data exploitation, ensuring that satellite data served a wide array of users, from researchers to policymakers.

Before assuming leadership roles at ESA, Borgeaud played a significant role in Swiss space endeavours. He served as Director of the Space Center at EPFL, led the SwissCube Cubesat project (successfully launched in 2009), and created a Minor in space technologies at EPFL, which was taught for the first time in 2006.

When the age of retirement came at ESA, Dr Borgeaud decided to let younger blood take over his activities. He is now doing voluntary work for the community where he lives in Switzerland, and has started hobbies he always dreamed of – but never had the time for – such as wood working. He also maintains several professional activities and remains involved with the European and international Earth science and space communities. In 2023, he was invited to join the European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC), and in 2024 was appointed Chair of the ESSC Earth Science Panel.

Groundbreaking Science Discoveries in EO

Most recently, as part of his ESSC activities, Dr. Borgeaud led with his Panel a publication to demonstrate the vast science and societal benefits brought about by ESA EO satellites entitled “Earth Observation Groundbreaking Science Discoveries.” The document was recently promoted at the ESA Living Planet Symposium 2025 in Vienna and highlights how EO has impacted the Arctic’s dramatic response to climate change, advanced forest monitoring, observed the dynamics of Earth’s shifting magnetic field and its impact on satellite navigation, and enabled more precise monitoring of droughts and floods, and significantly enhanced the accuracy of weather forecasts. 

“Throughout my professional journey, the monitoring of the Earth by satellite remote sensing has served as a consistent fil rouge,” explains Borgeaud. “It has guided my path from a foundational understanding of basic physics and electromagnetic scattering to the development of cutting-edge Earth observation applications, ultimately leveraging EO for climate change monitoring.” He further explains that this guiding thread has extended to fostering international collaboration and developing educational activities, culminating in the management of complex projects at ESA and direct interactions with high-level decision-makers at European and global levels.

Global Sensing, Climate, and the Earth

Dr. Borgeaud has always been passionate about the use of satellite data to foster Earth system science. During his activities at ESA, he was responsible for the preparation of future satellite missions requiring both state-of-the-art technology and science understanding. He also led the development of new applications based on Earth observation data and oversaw ESA’s Climate Office, where he guided the development of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) used to monitor environmental trends and inform climate policy. Borgeaud has championed the integration of EO data into global sustainability frameworks, including efforts to track progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). 

What drives Dr. Borgeaud to focus on efforts related to climate change awareness? “We know that Earth observation with satellites plays a crucial role in monitoring our planet’s health, from tracking climate change and natural disasters to managing resources or ensuring food security and assessing water scarcity on a global scale. The EO data generated is indispensable to help us all make informed decisions that can help protect our environment and improve lives on Earth,” he explains.

Achieving Real-world Impact Through Remote Sensing

In 2017, while Dr. Borgeaud served as its Chair representing ESA, the International Charter Space and Major Disasters was honored with the prestigious William T. Pecora Award for its innovative use of satellite remote sensing in supporting disaster response worldwide. Launched in 2000 the Charter provides free, rapid satellite imagery and data to authorized responders during earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, oil spills, or industrial accidents. Its coordinated system enables emergency teams and decision-makers to quickly map damage, assess safe routes, locate affected populations, and optimize relief efforts – crucial actions that save lives and reduce property loss. The award recognized the power of international collaboration in harnessing Earth observation for humanitarian relief. “It is critical that Earth observation data is delivered as soon as possible after a natural or man-made disaster has struck so the coordination of satellite resources can really impact results and response,” Borgeaud explains.”

Volunteer Impact on GRSS Efforts

Dr. Borgeaud has been involved with IEEE and GRSS throughout his career, dedicating his time and energy to furthering many initiatives. He became member of IEEE in 1979, attended many IGARSS from 1986 (Zurich) to 2022 (Kuala Lumpur), and has served for many years (still is) as Associated Editor of IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing (TGRS) for which he contributed to the scholarly community. His domain expertise, including radar remote sensing, SAR polarimetry and interferometry, disaster monitoring, and mission applications, helped to share the journal’s direction and encourage technological discourse.

Asked why supporting the efforts of IEEE and GRSS is important to him, Dr. Borgeaud explains, “From the beginning of my studies (my first degree was in electrical engineering) and during my whole professional career, I tremendously enjoyed interacting with my peers in the frame of IEEE, by attending conferences, reviewing papers, and meeting other scientists working in my field of geoscience and remote sensing. I learned a lot over the years from my involvement in IEEE and now it is time to pay back what I received.” 

Reflections and Advice

If he had the chance to speak to his early-career self, Dr. Borgeaud would offer this advice: “stay curious, embrace new challenges, take one step at the time, and be open to changes.” Wise words for all of us.

Links:

• Dr. Borgeaud, European Space Sciences Committee
• Dr. Borgeaud on IEEE Xplore
• Dr. Borgeaud receiving the William Thomas Pecora Award in the name of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters