BGU’s Revolutionizing Environmental Research with AI
BGU’s Revolutionizing Environmental Research with AI
March 21, 2025
Robotics & High-Tech, Sustainability & Climate Change
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Tal Svoray, Department of Environmental, Geoinformatics and Urban Planning Sciences
The Jerusalem Post— As our world becomes more dynamic and connected than ever, new technology and AI are revolutionizing how we study the environment at an incredible pace. One of the researchers leading this transformation is Professor Tal Svoray, a geoinformatics expert at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).
His research centers on developing AI methodologies for detecting and analyzing environmental phenomena using aerial imagery. “Two years ago, we were caught by the huge tsunami of AI,” Prof. Svoray explained in an interview. “Deep learning can provide a much more educated space-time analysis and identify objects far better than traditional statistical tools.”
Prof. Svoray’s enthusiasm for AI stems from its unprecedented capacity for pattern recognition and predictive accuracy. Traditional physically based models require extensive manual calibration, while AI-driven models learn autonomously from vast datasets. “Machines can analyze entities on the Earth in a much more structured way than statistical tools developed by humans,” he said.
The ability to automate the detection of environmental changes has transformed the field, making it more efficient and precise. For example, his team applies AI to study tree mortality by analyzing photosynthesis activity over time. “We study the photosynthesis of trees by inputting satellite data shot every 15 days since the 1990s. This cannot be done using regular statistical tools,” he emphasized.
This shift in education highlights a fundamental change in how future scientists will be trained. Instead of focusing solely on manual data analysis, students must develop skills in AI model interpretation, algorithm refinement, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
While some fear AI will replace human researchers, Prof. Svoray sees it as an amplifier of human cognitive ability. “AI is more than just a tool—it’s an active participant in discovery,” he explained. “It helps us process enormous amounts of data, allowing us to ask better questions and focus on higher-level problem-solving.”
“We must better understand the role of humans in a world increasingly controlled by AI,” he noted. “It’s not just a philosophical challenge—it’s a practical one. We need to redefine how we integrate AI into education, research, and decision-making.”
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