Water research is essential in addressing critical environmental challenges, particularly as extreme events like floods and droughts become more frequent and severe. As the global climate changes, understanding the water cycle, predicting extreme weather events, and developing effective management tools are more important than ever. Water research has evolved significantly with the introduction of advanced technologies such as satellite observations and remote sensing, which allow scientists to gather highly accurate and detailed data. These innovations are leading to the creation of sophisticated virtual models that simulate the water cycle on a global scale, offering new insights into human impact on this vital resource.
Luca Brocca, Research Director of the National Research Council of Italy – Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection, stands out as a visionary leader in this field. With a deep passion for scientific discovery, Luca’s leadership cultivates innovation and collaboration, while his approach to research management reflects his dedication to pushing the boundaries of hydrological studies. His work in developing advanced algorithms for satellite-based precipitation and irrigation estimates showcases his ability to lead challenging research projects. Luca’s focus on creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration has positioned his research group at the head of scientific advancements in hydrology.
Under Luca’s leadership, the Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection has taken significant strides in advancing water research, particularly through the development of the Digital Twin Earth Hydrology project. This initiative, funded by the European Space Agency, aims to create the most advanced virtual models of the water cycle. With a focus on global water management and the prediction of extreme events, the institute plays an important role in offering practical solutions for scientists, policymakers, and citizens. Through these innovative projects, the institute is making substantial contributions to the global understanding of water-related challenges and sustainable resource management.
Let’s delve into Luca’s innovative leadership journey in the field of water research:
Developing Virtual Models of the Water Cycle
After obtaining a master’s degree, Luca commenced scientific research immediately. Just five days after discussing the thesis, work began at the National Research Council of Italy – Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection (CNR-IRPI). The passion for science stems from the constant discovery of new knowledge, tackling challenges, and experiencing both successes and numerous failures.
The focus is on studying the water cycle, particularly the extremes—floods and droughts. Questions being addressed include coping with extreme events, predicting their occurrence, and developing tools and techniques for monitoring these events.
Over time, the use of satellite observations has increased to answer research questions. The accuracy and detail of data have improved significantly. Currently, remote sensing is integral to the development of the Digital Twin Earth Hydrology project. The project’s goal is to create the most advanced virtual models of the water cycle on a global scale, incorporating all physical processes and the impact of human activities on the water cycle.
Addressing the latter is a primary objective today. The challenge lies in developing such an advanced system and making it accessible to scientists, policymakers, stakeholders, and all citizens. The project, valued at over EUR 2 million and lasting 2.5 years, has been developed by a European consortium of 11 partners led by the Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection of the National Research Council in Perugia, funded by the European Space Agency.
Transitioning to Research Management
He believes research is the ideal job and is deeply passionate about it. Always seeking new discoveries, this approach has led to excellent results in the role. Over time, the focus has shifted from analytical research to more “research management.” The management aspect is also enjoyable due to the interaction with many great colleagues, allowing for discussions on science and mutual improvement. Interdisciplinary research is viewed as a key factor in developing innovation.
Advancing Precipitation and Irrigation Estimation
Luca doesn’t believe in being a leader. Over the past 10 years, he has led several research projects thanks to the great work of his research group in using satellite observations in hydrology and agriculture. For instance, they developed completely new algorithms for estimating precipitation from space and, more recently, irrigation from space.
These two innovations have put them in a great position, attracting funding from different agencies interested in their research activities. So, the research activity has a leading position, not Luca himself. The core value is their capability to develop new ideas, and they hope to continue to do this in the future.
Creativity in Scientific Development
According to Luca, research is innovation. Therefore, prioritizing innovation and creativity is essential. However, developing innovative tools and methods requires extensive study. New ideas do not simply appear out of nowhere. Some may think that scientists have great ideas spontaneously, like a eureka moment. Developing something new necessitates understanding what has been done before, which involves a lot of study and significant effort.
Balancing Collaboration and Competition
He highlights the importance of collaboration in science. In today’s scientific environment, working alone is insufficient for developing new ideas and finding solutions. However, collaboration in science can be challenging due to constant competition. Managing people in science is complex because everyone has different expectations.
It is essential to find a balance between working together, developing careers, and meeting everyone’s expectations. This requires significant time and effort but is necessary to advance knowledge and provide new solutions to real-world problems.
Strategies for Keeping Up with Scientific Trends
In Luca’s view, doing science requires a significant effort in studying. He has studied more on the job than during school. It is important to keep up with the latest research in the field, and his strategy is to continue studying. Reading papers, attending science conferences, and chatting with colleagues are the ways to stay on top of the latest trends.
Evaluating Business Opportunities in Water Technology
To balance the technical aspects with the broader business objectives of the organization, he works in a research institute. Luca highlights that the organization is not focused on business objectives now. He has been considering starting a company to distribute their high-tech solution for water cycle issues. He is still mulling it over.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders in Science
Luca advises aspiring leaders interested in making an impact in the realm that it should not be their main goal. He suggests that to make an impact, one must start by developing oneself. In science, it often takes a long time to understand the existing research in the field.
He mentions having a bookcase in his office filled with research articles he has read. From there, one can try to come up with something new. He emphasizes the importance of having a good supervisor or at least good colleagues to learn from. With some luck, one can make an impact in their field.
Addressing Extreme Water-Related Events
In Luca’s opinion, climate change is having a substantial impact on the global water cycle, making extreme water-related events more likely and severe. He notes an increase in droughts and their worsening conditions, as well as extreme precipitation events that are more localized and of unprecedented magnitude, causing widespread flooding and severe impacts on lives and assets.
He suggests the need for better decision support systems to accurately predict and monitor water-related environmental disasters and manage water resources effectively. These systems should integrate remote sensing, on-the-ground observations, high-resolution modeling of the Earth system, AI, information and communication technologies, and high-performance computing.
Luca is currently involved in 17 research projects as the Principal Investigator. He believes his organization will make substantial progress in improving its water cycle modeling capabilities and understanding of extreme events soon. High-resolution satellite data and advances in modeling, including machine learning and AI, will be integral to this progress.
He is excited to contribute to the organization’s project on developing a digital twin of the terrestrial water cycle.
