Under Ryan’s leadership, millions of satellite images and other Earth observation data have been made available publicly at no charge, allowing scientists, planners, and policy makers to make better-informed decisions on problems that transcend political boundaries. Her career-work has addressed critical issues in agriculture, climate change, sustainable development, and water.
Ryan has served as chair of the international Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS); awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from her alma mater, the State University of New York at Cortland; named an Honorary Fellow of the American Geographical Society, and in 2017 she was one of 10 global Leaders to be named to the Geospatial World Forum’s Hall of Fame. She continues to serve on several international advisory committees for remote sensing, space technologies, and Earth observations.
As Senior Scientist for NESDIS, Mike leads efforts to enhance the use of environmental satellite science across NOAA. He drives product development and applications research, ensuring that innovations deliver actionable and reliable environmental information across the global Earth observing system. Mike’s career bridges the scientific community and NOAA’s efforts to address complex societal challenges. He previously worked in the NESDIS Office of Common Services, where he developed a cohesive approach to satellite product development.
Martin Smye-Rumsby leads space ISR propositions and campaigns at BAE Systems and currently serves as Chairman of the Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc). He is passionate about the power of remote sensing to measure the world, and its power to improve life down here on planet Earth.
John S. Latham is the International Co-Chair for ISRSE-40’s Technical Programme. As President of ICRSE and Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton, he leverages expertise in geospatial data standards, agroecology, and agricultural monitoring. His leadership advances food systems transformations, climate resilience, and remote sensing applications for sustainable development globally.
Louise Butt, Director of Space South Central, leads the delivery of the largest regional space cluster in the UK. Over the last five years, she has championed space and satellite technologies, fostering regional growth, building a thriving space community, unlocking potential, and connecting the region with the wider UK space ecosystem.
