VOD4Forest Workshop : 7th edition

We were delighted to host the seventh edition of the VOD4Forest workshop at ULiège on 12–13 May 2026. The event brought together researchers and experts from across the VOD community for two days of scientific exchange focused on all aspects of Vegetation Optical Depth (VOD)

VOD is a key variable derived from microwave observations collected by satellites, aircraft, drones, and ground-based systems such as GNSS-T. By simultaneously capturing variations in vegetation water content and leaf development, it provides unique insights into the functioning and dynamics of forest ecosystems.

The workshop featured a diverse scientific program covering both methodological developments and applications of VOD. Sessions addressed topics including global flux estimations supported by VOD observations, plant water relations and microwave interactions, novel VOD retrieval and validation approaches, multi-scale observations and biomass estimation, as well as recent advances in GNSS transmissometry. Dedicated discussions on future collaborations and research directions further strengthened exchanges within the community. Participants also received updates on the ongoing development of VODNet, highlighting recent progress and future perspectives for this important initiative.In addition, attendees were given a demonstration of the acquisition of the EOSystm Lab, the DeLeaves drone.

We would like to thank all participants for their valuable contributions and for making this edition a successful and stimulating event.

© Jordan Bates

© François Jonard