Verena Griess

Verena Griess is Co-Director of the new Swiss GeoLab and Head of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems at ETH Zürich. Her research addresses a practical puzzle for terrestrial resources—especially forests: what action should be taken, where, and when? She tackles this question by developing decision-support systems that integrate satellite, drone, and ground data—from RGB and hyperspectral imagery to LiDAR and SAR scans—into rapid, high-precision forest inventories. These tools reveal tree height, biomass, health, and economic value almost in real time. Griess then models how climate change, wildfires, pests, and extreme weather might reshape these landscapes, testing alternative management strategies under each scenario. To make the results tangible, she employs immersive virtual reality, allowing stakeholders to explore possible futures before committing to action. By combining advanced sensing, rigorous modeling, and clear communication, she provides policymakers and forest professionals with the insights needed for sustainable, resilient forestry.