Satellite-based Services for Disaster Risk Management in Slovenia

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Kranj, Slovenia

High-Level Policy Introduction

Matevž Frangež, State Secretary for Internationalization, Entrepreneurship, Development Resources and Tourism

Matevž Frangež, born 30 March 1978 in Maribor, holds a university degree in law. Active in youth and student organising from a young age, he was a member of the City Council of the Municipality of Maribor from 2002 to 2010. He was elected a deputy of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia for the 2008–2011 and 2011–2014 terms and then worked for a short period as a State Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. In 2015, Frangež set out as an entrepreneur. He then took over the strategic communication in the Social Democratic Party in 2019 and was an assistant of the party’s deputy group in the National Assembly.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia appointed him State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology on 1 June 2022. On 24 January 2023 The Government of the Republic of Slovenia appointed him State Secretary at the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport.

 

Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director, European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)

On 16 October 2020, Rodrigo da Costa took up his duties as Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), formerly the European GNSS Agency (GSA). Prior to this, he was the Galileo Services Programme Manager from March 2017. Before joining the GSA, Rodrigo da Costa held several senior project management, business development, and institutional key account management positions in the space industry, in the areas of human space flight, exploration, launchers and R&D. Rodrigo da Costa holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the “Instituto Superior Tecnico” in Lisbon, a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Delft, and an MBA from the EuroMBA consortium of Business Schools.

 

Dominique Tilmans, President, Eurisy

Dominique holds the title of Honorary Senator in Belgium. During her electing mandates in the Belgian parliament, which spanned 27 years, she invested a lot of energy in space matters. She held the position of Chair of the « Belgian Senate Space Group» and she also presided over the «European Interparliamentary Space conference». In 2016, she was elected Chair of Eurisy, a non- profit Association which aims to bridge space and Society. She is also a Member of the Advisory Council of ESPI (European Space Policy Institute) in Vienna and, a Member of the Board of Vitrociset Belgium. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Europlanet 2024 RI. Concerned by the difficulties of the space industry to recruit young graduates, she launched YouSpace in 2014 and in 2018 she launched in 2018 “Switch to Space” an event with 50 speaker’s representing experts in space and more than 500 students. Between 2019 and 2022, Dominique served as Vice-President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Currently, she is a Special Advisor to the IAF President on Parliamentarian and Ministerial Relations.

 

Tanja Permozer, Head of Slovenian Space Office

Tanja Permozer is the Head of Slovenian Space Office since April 2023 and Head of Slovenian Delegation to the European Space Agency since February 2019.

Born and raised in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Ms Permozer attended the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Economics and Business and graduated in international economic relations and marketing. She joined the Government of Slovenia, Ministry of the Economy, responsible for policy making in the area of internationalisation, foreign direct investments, co-shaping of trade policy within the European Union (EU), and cooperation with international multilateral organisations.

In her career in the Administrative Service, she was assigned to cover a wide range of issues in the Ministry; during the Slovenia’s EU Council Presidency in the first half of 2008, she was the Chair of the EU Services Committee and deputy of Full Members Trade Committee, from 2007 to 2016 she was a Head of Sector for Multilateral Relations in the Directorate for Foreign Trade. She was also a chair at the Commission for the Promotion of International Trade with SID Banka (Slovene Export and Development Bank); a member of the Council of SPIRIT – Slovenian Public Agency for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Development, Investment and Technology; and a deputy chair of the European Space Agency PECS Committee.

During her service in these bureaux, Ms Permozer was involved not only in policy formulation and implementation, but also resource allocation, liaison with the industry, universities and research institutions, and overseas promotion of the interest of Slovenia.

 

Boštjan Pavlin, State Secretary for coordination of the directorates, the Secretariat of the Secretary General, the Intelligence and Security Service and the bodies within the Ministry of Defence

Boštjan Pavlin, M.Sc., began his professional career in the Slovenian Armed Forces in 1995, where he held various command positions until 2019. In 2019, he was appointed Director General of the Defence Affairs Directorate at the Ministry of Defence, a position he held until 2020. He then joined the management of the Ministry of Defence’s Service for Informatics and Communications, where he was responsible for cybersecurity. On 9 December 2022, he was reappointed as Director General of the Defence Affairs Directorate. In this capacity, he was responsible for the Directorate’s work on crisis management, civil protection, recruitment, cyber defence, hybrid threat management, resilience, civilian capabilities, and other areas until his appointment as State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence. He also participates in various inter-ministerial and international working groups and expert panels.

Boštjan Pavlin holds a Master’s degree in International and Diplomatic Studies.

He was appointed State Secretary on 1 February 2025.

European Union Space Components

Vincent Chatelée,  Galileo EWSS and SAR Service Manager, EUSPA

 

 

 

Marie Menard, Senior Communication Officer, EUSPA 

Marie Ménard is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in the European Union space sector. She currently serves as a Senior Communication Officer at the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), where she leads strategic communication initiatives to promote the EU Space programme and services. Her role encompasses media relations, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement, aiming to enhance public understanding and support for the EU’s space endeavours.

Marie’s experience in communication and public outreach supports EUSPA’s efforts to promote its activities and engage with stakeholders across the space sector. She holds a DEA in business development from Audencia and a master’s degree in strategic development from Reims Business School.

 

Dr. Christina Giannopapa, Head of the Office of the Executive Director, EUSPA

Dr. Christina Giannopapa is the Head of the Office of the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Prior, she was advisor to the Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post of the Ministry of Digital Governance in Greece, seconded from the European Space Agency (ESA). In ESA, she held various posts including the Head of Political Affairs Office of the Director General. She has received 14 academic scholarships and awards and has more than 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals, books and conferences. She has co‐edited the Springer “Handbook on space security”. Dr. Giannopapa is an elected member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).She is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Space Security of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and prior was the Chair of the Committee for Liaison with International Organisations and Developing Nations (CLIODN). She is also the Chair of the Board of Women in Aerospace Europe (WIA-E).  Dr. Giannopapa holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Mathematics; an MEng in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Mechatronics; and an MBA in International Management from the University of London.

 

Urška Brodnik, Head of the Geospatial Support and Space Section in the Modern Security Challenges Division of the Defense Affairs Directorate, Ministry of Defense

Lieutenant Colonel Urška Brodnik holds a university degree in geography and history from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ljubljana. She began her career in 1998 in the Slovenian Armed Forces. She began her military career as a platoon commander and continued as an expert in Geospatial sciences, as an officer for geospatial support at different levels in the Slovenian Armed Forces command structure. She has also participated in international peace support operations. Since 2023 she is a head of the Geospatial Support and Space Section in the Modern Security Challenges Division of the Defense Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. She shares her wealth of experience about the importance of using location power to make better decisions and the use of space technologies with younger generations, as well as in tasks involving various partners, nationaly and internationally, especially in crisis situations.

 

Boštjan Muri, Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO)

Boštjan Muri is employed at Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO). Boštjan has a diverse background in meteorology, with extensive experience in remote sensing as well as in the fields of climate change, numerical weather prediction and agrometeorology. His position at ARSO is the Head of the Products and Services Division, overseeing user support and the development of services tailored to the user needs. Boštjan has played an active role in operational tasks related to drought monitoring and satellite data processing, focusing on a set of satellites operated by European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). He also acts as a Slovenian delegate in the EUMETSAT’s science working groups.

 

Space assets supporting the Disaster Risk Management Cycle

Nataša Kos, Head of the Department for Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia

Ms Nataša Kos is Head of the Department for Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. A career diplomat with the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary, she brings over two decades of diverse experience across diplomacy, strategic communication, and cultural cooperation. Since joining the foreign service, she has held diplomatic postings in Rome and Belgrade and served as Head of the Strategic Communications Division and official spokesperson of the Ministry during Slovenia’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2021. She acted as Deputy to the Programme Director for International Cooperation at Maribor 2012 – European Capital of Culture, co-developing the cultural diplomacy programme and overseeing collaboration with international cultural partners. With academic training in journalism, Italian linguistics, and literary studies, Kos has a strong background in intercultural dialogue, public diplomacy and international relations. A former lecturer in Italian language and literature at the University of Ljubljana, she remains closely connected to academia. Fluent in four languages, she is also a published literary translator.

 

Dr. Urša Kanjir, Remote Sensing Specialist, ZRC-SAZU

Urša Kanjir is a remote sensing specialist with expertise in satellite image analysis, including time series, object classification, and landscape change detection. She holds a PhD in Environmental Protection and a background in geodesy from the University of Ljubljana. Her research spans a wide range of applications, from monitoring land use change for various purposes to detecting specific objects in satellite imagery. She has contributed to numerous (inter)national research projects and works closely with anthropologists in interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in studies exploring spatial dimensions of human-environment interactions.

Current challenges and opportunities related to the uptake of satellite data

Prof. Krištof Oštir, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering

Prof. Krištof Oštir, PhD, is a leading authority in Earth observation and geographical information systems, with over two decades of experience in advancing remote sensing and geospatial research. His work focuses on optical and radar imagery, image classification, change detection, monitoring vegetation and the environment, with a strong emphasis on the application of artificial intelligence.

He gained international recognition as the coordinator of the first activation of the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters”, where he demonstrated how satellite-based services can provide critical support during emergencies. Since then, he has played a vital role in numerous national and international initiatives, promoting the effective use of geospatial technologies in disaster risk management.

Currently a full professor at the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Oštir continues to inspire future generations of scientists while driving innovation in the geospatial sciences. His achievements have earned him multiple awards and global recognition in the field.

 

Prof. dr. Tomaž Rodič, Director of the Slovenian Centre of Excellence for Space Sciences and Technologies (Space-SI)

Prof. dr. Tomaž Rodič is the director of the Slovenian Centre of Excellence for Space Sciences and Technologies (Space-SI) and full professor for the area of Engineering Materials at University of Ljubljana. His main research interests are in the areas of small satellite technologies and numerical modelling in continuum physics where he is leading projects dedicated to the Slovenian microsatellite mission Nemo-HD for video and multispectral imaging of Earth ecosystems, development of transportable ground station system STREAM and integration of advanced data processing chain into SPACE-SI remote sensing system. He has established Centre for Computational Continuum Mechanics C3M for the development of Digital Twin Models for coupled Multi-physics, Multi-scale, Multi-body, Multi-phase and Multi-objective (M5) systems in converging sciences and engineering. His flagship applications are focused on integration of satellite and digital technologies to support river basin management for local societies in the scope of global water and climate actions. The bibliography of prof. Rodič comprises more than 230 units including 120 scientific papers.

 

Anže Žnidaršič, Head of Software Engineering Department, Flycom Technologies

Anže Žnidaršič is the Head of the Software Engineering Department at Flycom Technologies, where he leads projects focused on using European satellite data for natural disaster management. Flycom Technologies provides integrated satellite and remote sensing data solutions for insurance companies, government agencies, and other stakeholders. By enhancing satellite data with remote sensing data with use of AI, the company supports both the analysis of natural disasters and the ongoing monitoring of environmental restoration efforts.
Currently he is technical lead on Digital Twin Slovenia project where the focus is usage of satellite data in disaster management related to floods and land slides.

 

Matjaž Ivačič, CEO of GeoCodis Ltd

Matjaž Ivačič is a senior geospatial expert and project manager with over 30 years of experience in GIS, remote sensing, and Earth observation. As CEO of GeoCodis Ltd., he has led numerous international projects for organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA), GIZ, and the European Union, delivering innovative solutions for water management, urban development, and natural hazard risk assessment. His work integrates satellite data, machine learning, and open-source platforms, with key projects including UPMIS in Uganda, SDA4Wetlands in Europe, and UrbanGIS in Egypt. Matjaž holds a BSc and MSc in Geodesy and Spatial Informatics from the University of Ljubljana. He has presented at major international events such as ESA Phi-Week and the World Bank’s Land and Poverty Conference. Known for combining technical depth with strong leadership, he excels at managing cross-border teams and developing user-driven geospatial applications that support sustainable development and infrastructure planning.

 

Dr. Mateja Jemec Auflič, Geološki zavod 

Dr. Mateja Jemec Auflič is an engineering geologist at the Geological Survey of Slovenia and holds a PhD in the application of radar interferometry in geology, particularly as a tool for studying dynamic processes on the Earth’s surface. Her research focuses on the spatial and temporal study and monitoring of landslides, using a variety of methods and approaches. She integrates modern geodetic, geotechnical, geophysical, and satellite techniques to identify past, present, and potential future landslide hazards. Over the past five years, she has established five outdoor geological laboratories, where various sensors are used to monitor the development and spread of cracks that can lead to rockfalls.
Dr. Jemec Auflič leads a European projects and several national projects aimed at developing methodologies for identifying landslide-prone areas. Since 2022, she has also led the Dynamic Earth research program group.

 

Dr. Graham Turnock, Secretary General, Eurisy 

Dr Turnock holds a PhD in Particle Physics from Cambridge University for his work at the European Organization for Nuclear Research. He was a UK civil servant for almost 30 years during which time he also worked in the European Commission and the French administration. After serving as Chief Executive Officer of the UK Space Agency (2017-2021), he led the Accelerator Programme at the European Space Agency, and from 2025 he serves as Eurisy Secretary General, where he leads the team working closely with EURISY Members and wider stakeholders.

 

Closing Session

Dr. Christina Giannopapa, Head of the Office of the Executive Director, EUSPA

Dr. Christina Giannopapa is the Head of the Office of the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Prior, she was advisor to the Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post of the Ministry of Digital Governance in Greece, seconded from the European Space Agency (ESA). In ESA, she held various posts including the Head of Political Affairs Office of the Director General. She has received 14 academic scholarships and awards and has more than 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals, books and conferences. She has co‐edited the Springer “Handbook on space security”. Dr. Giannopapa is an elected member of the International Institute of Space Law (IISL) and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).She is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Space Security of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and prior was the Chair of the Committee for Liaison with International Organisations and Developing Nations (CLIODN). She is also the Chair of the Board of Women in Aerospace Europe (WIA-E).  Dr. Giannopapa holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Mathematics; an MEng in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Mechatronics; and an MBA in International Management from the University of London.

Dominique Tilmans, President, Eurisy

Dominique holds the title of Honorary Senator in Belgium. During her electing mandates in the Belgian parliament, which spanned 27 years, she invested a lot of energy in space matters. She held the position of Chair of the « Belgian Senate Space Group» and she also presided over the «European Interparliamentary Space conference». In 2016, she was elected Chair of Eurisy, a non- profit Association which aims to bridge space and Society. She is also a Member of the Advisory Council of ESPI (European Space Policy Institute) in Vienna and, a Member of the Board of Vitrociset Belgium. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Europlanet 2024 RI. Concerned by the difficulties of the space industry to recruit young graduates, she launched YouSpace in 2014 and in 2018 she launched in 2018 “Switch to Space” an event with 50 speaker’s representing experts in space and more than 500 students. Between 2019 and 2022, Dominique served as Vice-President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Currently, she is a Special Advisor to the IAF President on Parliamentarian and Ministerial Relations.

 

Maruška Strah, Secretary, the Slovenian Space Office

Maruška Strah is currently serving as the Secretary in the Slovenian Space Office at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport of Republic of Slovenia. She has background in the field of space law, focusing on space traffic management, security, and sustainability. For her work and extensive contributions to the field of STM, Maruška received the 2023 Space Law Award for Young Achievers awarded by the International Institute of Space Law. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with the prestigious International Astronautical Federation Young Space Leader Award in 2022.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree at Webster University Vienna  and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Law Faculty of the University of Vienna. Her research primarily focuses on STM, reflecting her main area of interest and expertise. She is a member of the International Institute of Space Law, where she serves as the Co-Chair of the STM Working Group. Maruška is also a member of the IAF STM Committee, the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety, and the European Centre for Space Law.