Through its leader, the Geomatics Research Group (GRG) is a member of the International Science Council’s Roster of Experts, providing scientific advice to the UN and shaping global policy priorities.​​

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The group was also engaged with UNEP’s recently published Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) assessment report, a comprehensive effort that was completed in December 2025. As Lead Author for Land Degradation, Elias was responsible for synthesising the latest research to assess the global state of land degradation, identifying drivers and impacts, and proposing evidence-based solutions to policymakers.

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The GRG is actively engaged in activities of the European Geoscience Union (EGU), with Elias currently serving as the EGU Biogeosciences Division Science-Policy Officer and as member of the EGU Climate Hazard and Risk Task Force, facilitating the transfer of knowledge from research into practice, and connecting policymakers to the most relevant geoscience experts. 

 

The GRG is a member of a number of scientific networks, engaging actively in providing assessments for policymakers. It is a member of the European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories (EARSeL) and of DesertNet International (DNI) with Elias being the UK National Representative and a member of the Steering Committees for these organisations.  

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