As Head of the Earth Observation Programme at SRON, Dr. Van Amerongen leads the strategic and scientific development of the institutes’ national and international efforts in satellite-based Earth observation.
The SRON Earth Observation (EO) Programme serves the Dutch ecosystem of climate scientists, policymakers and industry to support global climate action and the green transition. Van Amerongen, in collaboration with Dutch, European and global partners has contributed to the development of multiple space missions to study climate, air quality and ecosystem impact.
Together with partners, the SRON EO programme designs and builds cutting-edge science missions that advance our understanding of Earth’s atmosphere, climate, and ecosystems. Our work focuses on atmospheric composition — from greenhouse gases and air quality to the impacts on climate and the environment.
Van Amerongen oversees the Earth Science portfolio, making the step from science to climate action in collaboration with governments, international organizations and the private sector. For example, in a project to reduce methane emissions from landfills in the global south in collaboration with local governments. In addition, the programme routinely delivers methane emission alerts, such as for the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring System and as part of the UN’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS).
Dr. van Amerongen advises the Dutch government in the field of science, technology, satellite operations and data use for Earth observation. He obtained his PhD in 2008 at the University of Amsterdam in the field of quantum gases and atom optics. He then worked on the development of innovative concepts for Earth observation in the field of optics and nanofabrication. He has been heading the Earth Observation Programme at SRON since 2020.
