We are sharing the Call for Abstracts for the Next-Generation Microwave Radiometry Community Forum: Algorithms, Calibration/Validation, and Applications for Land Surfaces, to be held in Helsinki, Finland, on January 26-28, 2027.
The workshop aims to bring together the community to advance multi-frequency microwave radiometer algorithms for land applications, including their calibration and validation, synergies with complementary observations, and future measurement concepts, guided by shared scientific and application needs. Please find more information in the Call for Abstracts and at this website: https://nsdc.fmi.fi/services/SMOSService/radland2027/
About the workshop
The workshop brings together researchers, instrument developers, data-product teams, validation and in situ measurement specialists, and users working across the microwave radiometry spectrum.
Its purpose is to strengthen interaction between the L-band and higher-frequency radiometry communities, promote the combined use of observations at different frequencies, and support discussion across missions, agencies, institutes, and application areas.
Active development of L-band algorithms, new multi-frequency observing capabilities, and emerging mission concepts create significant opportunities to improve the retrieval and interpretation of land-surface variables. At the same time, stronger connections are needed between communities working at different frequencies, and between algorithm development, calibration and validation, instrumentation, and applications.
Topics
We welcome abstracts addressing microwave radiometry of land surfaces, including but not limited to:
- Soil moisture, vegetation and vegetation optical depth, freeze/thaw state, snow, land-surface temperature, drought indices, surface water, carbon cycle, and inundation
- Retrieval algorithms and forward modelling
- Calibration and validation methods
- Validation sites, field campaigns, and instrumentation
- Multi-frequency retrievals and applications
- Simulation, laboratory, and in situ measurements of the electromagnetic properties of natural media
- Future technologies and new instruments; radio frequency interference (RFI) detection and filtering
- Synergies with complementary observations, including GNSS reflectometry and synthetic aperture radar
- Operational applications, user requirements, and emerging societal needs
- Land, ocean, and cryosphere synergies
Contributions that connect traditionally separate frequency ranges, observing systems, disciplines, or application communities are especially encouraged.
Special sessions
Future L-band and multi-frequency radiometry concepts
Future satellite and airborne radiometry concepts, including high-resolution L-band approaches, wideband and multi-frequency systems, and upcoming or proposed missions.
Freeze/thaw algorithms and applications
Continuing discussions from the 2024 Freeze/Thaw Workshop in Guelph, Canada: algorithm development, intercomparison, validation, product consistency, applications, and opportunities for coordinated community activities.
Abstract Submission
Abstracts should briefly describe the scientific question, methods, principal results or expected
contribution, and relevance to the workshop themes.
- Abstract length: 250-400 words
- Submission deadline: September 30, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: October 30, 2026
- Submission website: The link will be provided on the workshop website
- Presentation preference: Oral / poster / no preference
The scientific program will be developed based on the submitted abstracts. Depending on the
number and scope of submissions, the program may include oral presentations, posters, panel
discussions, and focused working sessions.
Workshop Format
The workshop will begin on the morning of Tuesday, 26 January 2027, and conclude by 16:00 on
Thursday, 28 January 2027.
The event is intended to provide ample time for scientific presentations, discussion, networking,
and the development of possible community recommendations and collaborative activities. The
registration is free of charge.
Venue
Finnish Meteorological Institute — Dynamicum
Erik Palménin aukio 1, Helsinki, Finland
Information about registration (free of charge), accommodation, the workshop dinner, and
possible travel support will be provided on the workshop website.
Important Dates - Abstract submission opens: September 1, 2026
- Abstract submission deadline: September 30, 2026
- Acceptance notifications: October 30, 2026
- Registration deadline: November 30, 2026
- Workshop: 26–28 January 2027
Contact
Additional information: https://nsdc.fmi.fi/services/SMOSService/radland2027/
For questions concerning the workshop or abstract submission, please contact:
radland2027@fmi.fi
We look forward to welcoming the international microwave remote-sensing community to
Helsinki and to advancing collaboration from L-band toward integrated multi-frequency land-
surface radiometry.