TreeSense Center of Excellence Officially Launched at University of Copenhagen
The TreeSense Center of Excellence was officially launched on 24 June 2025 at the University of Copenhagen. Hosted by the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN), the event marked the beginning of a major new research initiative supported by the Danish National Research Foundation.
The launch took place at the Red Lounge (Rød Stue), Øster Voldgade 10, and featured opening remarks from university leadership, foundation representatives, and the TreeSense leadership team. The celebration concluded with a reception for all guests.
Opening Speakers
- Kristian Cedervall Lauta – Prorector, University of Copenhagen
- Dorthe Dahl-Jensen – Chair of the Board, Danish National Research Foundation
- Bo Jellesmark Thorsen – Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen
- Vivian Kvist Johannsen – Head of Department, IGN
- Rasmus Fensholt – TreeSense Center Leader, Professor at IGN
- Martin Stefan Brandt – TreeSense Co-PI, Associate Professor at IGN
- Christian Igel – TreeSense Co-PI, Professor at DIKU
- Ankit Kariryaa – TreeSense Co-PI, Assistant Professor at DIKU/IGN
- Laura Vang Rasmussen – TreeSense Co-PI, Associate Professor at IGN
About the TreeSense Center
The Center for Remote Sensing and Deep Learning of Global Tree Resources (TreeSense) is a new Danish National Research Foundation Center of Excellence that aims to revolutionize how we observe and understand woody vegetation worldwide — inside and beyond forests.
The center will develop AI-based algorithms for next-generation satellite data to enable:
- Detection and characterization of individual trees
- Estimation of height, crown size, species, and carbon stocks
- Mapping of usage patterns and local livelihoods
- Monitoring of environmental and anthropogenic pressures on tree resources
By integrating advanced remote sensing with deep learning, TreeSense will generate vital insights into the ecological and human factors shaping tree resources — and their implications for ecosystems and livelihoods.
The center is funded with a grant of DKK 59,909,600 and officially began its operations in spring 2025.
Leadership Team:
- Professor Rasmus Fensholt (UCPH-IGN), Center Leader
- Professor Christian Igel (UCPH-DIKU), Co-PI
- Assoc. Prof. Laura Vang Rasmussen (UCPH-IGN), Co-PI
- Assoc. Prof. Martin Brandt (UCPH-IGN), Co-PI
- Asst. Prof. Ankit Kariryaa (UCPH-DIKU/IGN), Co-PI
- Andreas Egelund Christensen (UCPH-IGN), Center Administrator