Professional Member Spotlight: Besma Guesmi

Artificial intelligence and remote sensing are increasingly shaping how we understand and respond to challenges across Earth and space. For Besma Guesmi, a Lead Data Scientist working at the intersection of these fields, innovation is driven by a commitment to solving problems with real-world impact. Inspired by her love of physics, she earned a degree in Electronics-Microelectronics Engineering from the Higher Institute of Computer Science and Mathematics of Monastir (ISIMM), Tunisia, before building a career focused on AI-driven solutions for Earth observation and space technologies. Through her work and involvement with IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society, she has contributed to advancing AI-powered solutions that support topics from environmental monitoring to space weather forecasting. In this spotlight, Besma shares her professional journey, research interests, and experiences with the GRSS community.

Can you introduce yourself and share a brief background about who you are and what you do?

I am Besma Guesmi, a Lead Data Scientist working in space technology. My background is in electronics and microelectronics engineering, and my work has evolved toward AI-driven systems for space applications, space weather forecasting, embedded AI, and edge computing. She lives between Tunisia and the EU.

How long have you been a member? Tell us about your GRSS journey.

I have been an active member of GRSS for almost 2 years. My GRSS journey has been very meaningful, because it connects directly with my interests in remote sensing, disaster monitoring, and space-related AI. Through GRSS, I have been able to engage with a community that values both technical excellence and real-world impact, especially in areas such as Earth observation and environmental monitoring. I follow GRSS on LinkedIn, since I was part of IEEE community before and found that GRSS is a suitable community for me to be part of.

What inspired you to join GRSS?

I was inspired to join GRSS, because of its strong focus on remote sensing, geoscience, and solutions that support society. My research and professional work align closely with these themes, especially in satellite imagery analysis, wildfire and landslide detection, and space weather monitoring. During my university studies, I was also an IEEE member, where I actively participated in IEEE activities at the national and international level. That experience helped me appreciate the value of a global technical community and staying connected with people around the world. GRSS felt like a natural extension of that journey, a community where I can continue learning, contributing, and collaborating internationally.

How has GRSS contributed to your professional growth?

GRSS has helped me grow by exposing me to a broader research community and by strengthening the connection between my work in AI and real-world geoscience applications. It has also supported my development as a researcher and technical leader through collaboration, visibility, and opportunities to contribute to discussions around disaster management and remote sensing.

What advice would you give to individuals considering joining the GRSS community?

I would encourage them to join if they are interested in remote sensing, Earth observation, or using AI for meaningful scientific and societal challenges. Be active, attend events, connect with members, and share your work early! GRSS is a great place to learn, contribute, and build collaborations that can shape both research and career growth.

What sector/theme/topics does your research focus on?

My research focuses on AI for space and Earth-observation applications. More specifically, I work on space weather forecasting, wildfire and landslide detection, and AI-based computational storage and edge computing.

What key advancement(s) are you proud of in your work?

I am proud of developing AI-based frameworks for space weather monitoring and forecasting. I have loved physics since my high school studies, and in my professional work, I had the opportunity to contribute to a heliophysics project, which made studying the Sun a very joyful and meaningful part of my research. Space weather focuses on understanding and predicting solar activity and its interaction with Earth’s space environment. It is highly important because solar storms and geomagnetic disturbances can disrupt satellite operations, GPS navigation, aviation systems, and even power grids on Earth. It is also crucial for protecting astronauts and ensuring the safety of human activities in space.

How does your work fit into IEEE GRSS Society?

Using AI to build innovative solutions that help protect human life and the planet has always been deeply meaningful to me. I began applying AI in healthcare, and I now find it especially exciting to work on more challenging domains such as space weather, where the impact is global and extends beyond Earth. Improving forecasting accuracy in this area is essential for strengthening the resilience of modern space infrastructure and supporting reliable communication, navigation, and Earth observation systems.

Anything else to share? Conferences or events you are looking to attend?

I actively enjoy engaging with the research community through conferences, workshops, and technical events, as they are valuable opportunities to share knowledge and build collaborations across disciplines. In the near future, I am particularly looking forward to attending events such as IEEE GRSS and space-related conferences focused on remote sensing, Earth observation, and AI for geoscience applications.

I will also be speaking at the Space Weather Days for Spain, a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Spanish Space Agency (AEE).

I am very excited about this opportunity to present and discuss space weather research and to share insights with the audience.

You can connect with Besma through LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/besma-guesmi-a94201161/