On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Dr Alex Geddes

Atmospheric Scientist

Qualifications

MPhys - Physics with Space Science and Technology - University of Leicester

PhD - Physics - Earth Observation Science - University of Leicester

 

Location
Lauder
Science Centre

Contact Details

Biography

Alex Geddes is a remote sensing scientist whose career has spanned atmospheric aerosols, trace gases, and cloud and radiation processes. His PhD focused on the remote sensing of aerosols, followed by a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Toronto, where he developed and deployed balloon-borne FTIR instruments. Since joining NIWA/ESNZ, Alex has worked on advancing all-sky camera systems for cloud monitoring, developing UV spectral processing algorithms, and leading the redevelopment of UV spectrometers for long-term monitoring. His research later expanded to include ground-based inverse modelling of methane emissions in New Zealand, where he has become deeply involved in international methane science.

Alex is also plays a lead role in the agricultural component of the MethaneSAT and MethaneAIR, while also playing a central role in the newly funded FarmAI project, which leverages AI and Earth observation for farm-scale agricultural greenhouse gas monitoring. Recently appointed Remote Sensing Sector Lead, he is working to develop and support remote sensing capability across ESNZ, bridging scientific innovation with national-scale applications.