Launched in 2021, the Geospatial World Rising Stars initiative honours professionals under the age of 40 who are using geospatial technology to address global challenges. Since its inception, only 250 professionals worldwide have received this prestigious recognition.
Geospatial World Forum 2025: Shagun Garg’s Speech
“It is an honour to be recognised alongside such a dynamic group of individuals,” said Shagun. “This award is incredibly motivating—it’s recognition from the wider scientific and industry communities that the work we are doing matters. It gives me the confidence to think bigger and continue pushing for impact through research. I’m especially excited to represent Cambridge and bring our department’s geospatial research to a global stage.”
Shagun’s Research: Mapping Floods and Droughts Using Satellite Data
Shagun’s research sits at the intersection of Earth observation and water management, focusing on the mapping and monitoring of floods and droughts using satellite data. His work explores how evidence-based, nature-based solutions can help reduce water-related disaster risks and build climate resilience. Shagun is passionate about the potential of geospatial technology to mitigate the effects of climate change, especially the growing severity and frequency of floods and droughts.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the way data from space can help us better understand problems here on Earth,” Shagun said. “As climate change increases the severity and frequency of floods and droughts, there’s an urgent need for smarter, more scalable monitoring approaches. I want my research to directly support decision-makers—from engineers to humanitarian responders—who are working to build more resilient communities.”
Academic Background and Passion for Public Engagement
Shagun joined the Department of Engineering as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Resilience in a Changing World (FIBE2 CDT) programme. He holds a background in civil engineering and remote sensing and has presented his research at major international conferences such as AGU, EGU, and InGARSS.
Alongside his academic work, Shagun is committed to public engagement, working to make geospatial science more accessible to practitioners and communities. "I’ve been incredibly lucky to have amazing mentors throughout my academic journey who have shown me how our skills can be used to help others. I hope to continue that tradition."
