Meteorology students takes on satellite data challenge

The satellite data analysis competition is opening up a new avenue for hands-on learning for meteorology students. Rather than simply acquiring forecasting knowledge, students can directly access, process and analyse observational data to address specific weather-related challenges.

The information was shared by Chihito Kusabiraki, Chairman of the WNI WxBunka Foundation (Weathernews Meteorological Culture Innovation Foundation) and former President and CEO of Weathernews Inc., at the international seminar “Global Meteorological Market: A Business Perspective on Meteorology”, recently held at Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment.

7 student teams take part in the competition

According to Kusabiraki, the competition aims to help students strengthen their ability to access and analyse observational data. This is an important foundation for improving the quality of weather forecasts and expanding the practical application of meteorology.

Satellite data is one of the sources of information that students can directly access and utilise. Based on this data, participants select a topic for analysis, such as cloud and rainfall patterns during typhoons, rainfall affected by typhoons, or fog conditions in a specific area.

According to a representative of the Weathernews Meteorological Culture Innovation Foundation, the competition does not impose strict limits on the topics students can choose. This approach allows students to select subjects that match their interests and explore the processes of data collection, processing and analysis in greater depth.

The competition was launched in 2025, with 2026 marking its second edition. Registration for this year’s competition closed at the end of August. Around 80 teams from universities and research institutions registered, including seven teams from Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment.

After receiving the equipment and data needed for their research, the teams will analyse the data and complete their entries from now until around March 2027. Submissions will be made in the form of reports for a panel of experts to assess and select the winning teams, rather than requiring participants to give live presentations before the judging panel.

Among the university’s seven teams, the group of Tran Thi Minh Phuong, Nguyen Quang Tung and Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly (ĐH14K) chose to study the use of Himawari-9 satellite data to identify convective clouds and support early warnings of heavy rain in northern Viet Nam.

Minh Phuong said the team joined the competition to work directly with satellite data on a real-world problem, rather than relying only on classroom theory. The main challenges are handling large volumes of data, selecting appropriate indicators and combining satellite data with other meteorological sources.

The competition has helped the team better understand how to turn classroom knowledge into a complete research process, from data selection and processing to analysis and interpretation. It has also strengthened their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

After expert assessment, the top team will be invited to Japan for a one-week study visit. The second- and third-place teams will receive awards from the Weathernews Meteorological Culture Innovation Foundation. Registration for the third edition is expected to open from June to August 2027.

Expanding hands-on learning for meteorology students

From an educational perspective, Dr. Tran Van Tinh, Head of the Faculty of Hydrometeorology at Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, said students are equipped with fundamental knowledge in their field. However, greater emphasis is still needed on climate services, interdisciplinary climate studies and the application of meteorology to socio-economic sectors.

Tinh suggested that the Weathernews Meteorological Culture Innovation Foundation and the Faculty of Hydrometeorology could jointly organise more competitions and programmes on climate services, climate finance and climate commerce. These activities could include scholarships, awards or internships to give students more practical experience.

Exposure to real-world challenges beyond the core curriculum can help students better understand how meteorological knowledge is applied in practice, rather than viewing career opportunities mainly through traditional forecasting agencies.

The proposal received a positive response from the foundation. Chihito Kusabiraki said the satellite data analysis competition is one of the programmes the foundation wants to introduce to students. The university’s proposals could also open up new areas of cooperation between the two sides in the coming years.

As meteorology becomes increasingly connected with big data, digital technology and advanced analytical methods, the ability to work directly with observational data is becoming an important skill for students.