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Smart eyes below the surface: training robots to explore the ocean
Our July MSCA ‘Fellow of the Month’ is Laura Weihl. Her goal is to help underwater robots see and navigate better in challenging ocean environments.
MSCA Fellow of the Month
This month, we spotlight Laura Weihl, an MSCA doctoral candidate at the IT University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Her mission is to develop more reliable tools to explore, understand, and protect the marine world.
Think of underwater robots that operate without a human steering them. To do that, they use different sensors to understand their surroundings.
One way is by using cameras - just like our eyes - to help them move through the water and watch marine ecosystems like seagrass meadows. But underwater vision is especially tricky because the water is often cloudy which makes it difficult for robots to reliably detect objects or track their own position.
Vision beneath the waves
Laura is working to improve how autonomous underwater robots perceive and interpret ocean environments. This matters because robots can operate longer, deeper, and in riskier conditions than human divers, making them powerful tools for marine exploration. Smarter robots allow us to explore our oceans more reliably and learn about marine ecosystems in greater depths.
The recently adopted European Ocean Pact confirms the need for a healthy ocean. It also highlights the crucial role of research in helping to maintain the EU as a global ocean leader in ocean science, technology and data.
Her research focuses on using advanced AI techniques to address challenges in underwater vision and navigation. She uses state-of-the-art tools to create test scenarios for robot navigation and to detect and assess the health of seagrass.
Recently, she has also been working on ways to spot unusual changes in underwater environments over time.
Broadening research horizons with MSCA support
Until last April, Laura was one of the 15 researchers in the REMARO project who received specialised training from renowned experts in robotics, artificial intelligence, software reliability, and safety.
This opportunity was made possible through the doctoral programme funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), which allowed her to conduct her research in a dynamic interdisciplinary and international environment.
Being an MSCA fellow has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve loved being part of this project because it has allowed me to grow a professional network that spans across Europe and collaborate with a diverse, talented group of researchers.
She refers to this experience as deeply inspiring and pushing her to develop not only her technical skills but also a broader perspective on scientific research and its impact.
Empowering her peers
Laura started a new PhD association at the IT University of Copenhagen. She helps there to promote interdisciplinary exchange and peer support within her university.
She actively engages in science outreach through organising seminars and mentoring junior researchers.
Additionally, she was also active in the national PhD association of Denmark (PAND), as well as a delegate to the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc). There, she advocates for better quality of national PhD education systems, and the visibility of early-career scientists in both academic and public forums.
As a new member of the Marie Curie Alumni Association, Laura is excited to explore opportunities to connect with other fellows and contribute to this growing global network.
Beyond environmental conservation and robotics
Researchers are never just into their work. When not immersed in code, you can find her playing piano or singing in a choir.
For Laura, creativity doesn’t stop at research - making music and exploring the arts also fuel her ability to stay curious, imaginative, and open to new ideas in her scientific work.