UCL Geography Lecturer Wins Open Science Award for Global Collaboration on Forest Research

Dr Mokros, Lecturer in Earth Observation, has been recognised with a UCL Open Science and Scholarship Award for his work enhancing open science and reproducibility across the global research community.

The award highlights Dr Mokros’s leadership of the 3DForEcoTech COST Action, a European network uniting over 500 scientists, practitioners, and sensor manufacturers from more than 60 countries. The project focuses on developing shared protocols and open-access tools to improve understanding of forest ecosystems through advanced 3D technologies.

“During my PhD and early postdoctoral years, I realised that while many experiments and papers were being produced, what was missing was harmonisation and practical implementation,” Dr Mokros explains. “Adjusting the direction of the field could only happen through a strong, connected network. That’s what inspired me to apply for a COST Action.”

As Chair of 3DForEcoTech, Dr Mokros plays a pivotal role in driving collaboration and standardisation. “Being the Chair of such a project is very demanding, especially in the first two years, but it’s definitely worth it. It’s an amazing, life-changing experience,” he says. “This project directly contributes to strengthening the open science culture by creating shared tools, data standards, and open communication channels.”

Dr Mokros integrates his open science ethos into his teaching at UCL Geography, co-organising interdisciplinary summer schools that bring together students and experts in fields such as LiDAR, precision forestry and biodiversity. “By teaching, we also learn what students need — which skills are missing, which tools are hard to use, and what practical work helps them grasp reproducibility,” he notes. “This feedback loop shapes both my research and my teaching.”

Reflecting on the award, Dr Mokros says, “Receiving an award at UCL is a truly great feeling. It’s meaningful because it recognises exactly what we, as a network, have been working towards: making science more open, reproducible, and connected.”

Looking ahead, the 3DForEcoTech team is applying for Horizon Europe funding to sustain and expand its network. “We’ve inspired many young researchers to pursue these technologies,” says Dr Mokros. “Great ideas are coming.”

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