2025 GEO Awards Winners
Five changemakers transforming the field of Earth Intelligence were celebrated at the the 2025 GEO Awards on 7 May during the GEO Global Forum in Rome. Their significant contributions reflect the spirit of innovation, integration and inclusion at the heat of GEO’s mission to deliver Earth Intelligence for All.
Emerging Leader Award
Michael Jurua
In Uganda, Michael Jurua harnesses Earth Intelligence to protect biodiversity and empower local communities. Not only has he trained more than 200 young professionals to use geospatial tools to monitor wildfires and assess forest loss, but his integration of machine learning and local knowledge is improving response times, shaping forest policy and supporting livelihoods.
"As a conservation scientist, I believe that timely, accurate, and accessible Earth observation data is critical to protecting the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.”
Dr Linyi Liu
A rising leader in Earth Intelligence for agriculture and environmental health, Dr Linyi Liu integrates satellite data, biological models, and artificial intelligence to forecast crop pest and disease outbreaks, helping reduce pesticide use and improve food security. A driving force in global collaboration and open data sharing, he has supported capacity-building efforts from Pakistan to Kenya.
“Through the GEO project supported by the National Key R&D Program of China, we developed a global-scale remote sensing system that integrates Earth observation data with pest biology and AI-driven models to deliver timely, actionable insights on crop pest and disease risks. These tools enable smarter decision-making in pest management. By reducing pesticide use and enhancing biodiversity, our efforts contribute to both global food security and environmental sustainability.”
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Lawrence A. Friedl
From NASA’s Mission Control to leading the Applied Sciences Program, Dr Lawrence Friedl has spent his career at the forefront of turning satellite science into real-world solutions. His visionary leadership has brought Earth Intelligence into policy, planning, and humanitarian action, driving progress on air quality, public health, agriculture, disaster risk reduction and more. A champion of open data and capacity-building, Lawrence has shaped how satellite data supports communities and been a driving force in strengthening GEO’s mission.
“I’ve learned that innovation is not just scientific and technical but also programmatic. These programmatic innovations created environments where Earth observations could expand their reach across fields because deliberate partnerships – farmers with scientists, health officials with data specialists, water managers with technologists – were collaborative, agile and responsive to what the challenges demanded. The sweet spot is where innovation and partnerships support human needs and accelerate the journey from insight to impact.”
Dr Stuart Minchin
Dr Stuart Minchin’s career has redefined how Earth observation data supports entire regions. As the architect behind Digital Earth Australia and a key figure in launching Digital Earth Africa and efforts in the Pacific, He has championed access to satellite-based tools for climate resilience, water security and disaster response. His leadership has brought Earth observations to the hands of governments, researchers and communities in more than 80 countries.
“Global uptake and impact of Earth observations for many years suffered from a chronic lack of scale and repeatability. The development of Earth observation data cubes and subsequent Digital Earth infrastructure in Australia, Africa and now the Pacific has changed the landscape of Earth Intelligence dramatically, leading to much greater economic and social impact and uptake.”
Dr Yifang Ban
A global leader in urban remote sensing, Dr Yifang Ban’s work at KTH Royal Institute of Technology has advanced the use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and artificial intelligence for applications in disaster response, climate resilience and urban sustainability. Through cutting edge innovations, she has devoted her career to making Earth Intelligence accessible, actionable and impactful, particularly in developing regions. A dedicated mentor and research pioneer, her influence is seen in both scientific advancement and global collaboration.
“By championing open data and accessible tools, fostering global collaboration, and building capacity across diverse communities, I strive to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world application.”