Skevi Perdikou (CEO of Geofem) has built a career that fuses geotechnical engineering with cutting-edge satellite remote sensing. With two decades of experience, she has become a leading expert in using satellite radar data to monitor ground and infrastructure movement with millimetric precision, employing Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR). Skevi’s dual expertise in geotechnical engineering and DInSAR allows her to deliver crucial insights for the infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors.
Skevi is also proficient in 3D Finite Element Modelling, a tool she uses to further refine her assessments. Over the years, she has led several innovation projects for the European Space Agency and other European and national bodies, applying satellite remote sensing to address civil engineering challenges.
In addition to her technical work, Skevi has played a significant role in advancing industry standards. As a founding member of the Field Monitoring Committee (TC220) of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), she plays a key role in shaping best practices. She also serves on the steering group for CIRIA’s guidance documents on natural slopes and InSAR applications. Her work in satellite remote sensing and civil engineering has received recognition through numerous presentations and publications.
From Ground to Space: The Journey of Skevi Perdikou
Skevi’s journey to becoming CEO of Geofem began with a fascination for the structures and infrastructure that shape the world—transportation networks, dams, and cities that enhance human lives. Her curiosity led her to civil and geotechnical engineering, where she developed a deep understanding of the built environment. Pursuing a Ph.D in Satellite Remote Sensing set her on a unique path, launching new satellites with new capabilities, always learning new things, and advancing technology.
“What excites me more is being able to use these advanced space technologies for the built environment and our infrastructure, combining all my skills in civil and geotechnical engineering with satellite remote sensing!” says Skevi.
Her career began in the UK as a geotechnical engineer for a major international consultancy, where she gained experience on high-profile projects. She later returned to Cyprus and played a key role in designing and supervising the installation of a sewerage network and pumping stations, one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects. Her passion for teaching led her to an assistant professorship, where she shared her knowledge of satellite remote sensing with future engineers.
In 2014, Skevi became an advisor to the government of Cyprus, contributing to the development of the nation’s space policy and engaging in negotiations with the European Space Agency (ESA). This role deepened her expertise in the field. In 2017, she joined Geofem as Technology Manager, where she led the development of the satellite remote sensing group. Under her leadership, Geofem expanded its partnerships with ESA and successfully commercialized new products and services.
In early 2024, Skevi became the CEO of Geofem. She now focuses on integrating advanced satellite technologies with engineering solutions to meet the needs of infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors worldwide.
Geofem: Pioneering Satellite Technology for Infrastructure Resilience
Founded in 2007 as a geotechnical consultancy, Geofem initially focused on providing specialized engineering solutions. A decade later, in 2017, the company took a significant leap forward by incorporating satellite remote sensing capabilities into its offerings. This strategic expansion allowed Geofem to combine traditional geotechnical engineering with cutting-edge satellite technologies, setting the stage for its future growth.
In 2020, Geofem partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA), marking a key moment in its development. This collaboration established Geofem as a leader in integrating satellite data with engineering solutions. Since then, the company has expanded its global reach, securing numerous projects and building a strong reputation in the field.
Geofem’s core services focus on satellite-based InSAR displacement monitoring and geohazard susceptibility mapping. InSAR technology tracks ground movements with millimeter-level accuracy by analyzing radar images over time. This precise monitoring helps detect subsidence, landslides, and other ground-related risks in urban areas, natural hazard zones, and critical infrastructure sites.
Geofem also specializes in geohazard susceptibility mapping, which uses satellite remote sensing data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create detailed risk maps. These maps assess vulnerabilities to hazards such as subsidence and landslides, guiding infrastructure maintenance efforts and sustainable construction. Together, these tools provide precise, actionable insights that support disaster preparedness and enhance infrastructure resilience by effectively identifying and managing risks.
Harnessing Satellite Remote Sensing for Diverse Infrastructure Needs
Geofem serves a wide range of industries with its satellite remote-sensing solutions, addressing various infrastructure challenges across multiple sectors. The primary concern for infrastructure asset owners is the potential for costly catastrophic failures. Geofem’s technology offers crucial insights for monitoring road and rail networks, assessing the stability of tailings dams, and evaluating offshore oil platforms.
Skevi emphasizes the versatility of satellite remote sensing and its broad application to different infrastructure assets. She explains that “SAR satellites operate continuously, in all weather conditions, making them reliable for monitoring any infrastructure, regardless of scale.” Early hazard identification, she adds, can minimize disruptions to everyday life.
A Day in the Life of Skevi
Skevi starts her day at 6 a.m. with a trip to the gym, which sets the tone for a productive day. By 9 a.m., she arrives at the office and reviews her calendar to prepare for upcoming meetings.
As CEO, she handles a wide range of responsibilities. She interacts with clients, attends industry events, and stays connected with her network. Throughout the day, she monitors key projects and makes decisions that keep the company moving forward.
Once a week, Skevi meets with the senior team to stay informed about all areas of the business. She also holds a monthly meeting with the entire staff to ensure communication and alignment with the company’s goals.
Satellite Remote Sensing for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Skevi highlights the increasing significance of satellite remote sensing for infrastructure stakeholders in the face of climate change. She notes that satellite technology delivers global coverage and real-time monitoring, crucial for detecting and assessing environmental impacts on infrastructure.
She notes that high-resolution satellite imagery enables a detailed examination of structural conditions. When combined with predictive models, this data helps stakeholders foresee future risks and design resilient infrastructure. As Skevi explains, “Satellite remote sensing provides comprehensive, timely data that supports informed decision-making and policy development, ensuring infrastructure can better withstand the growing challenges posed by climate change.”
Overcoming Industry Resistance
Skevi recounts facing significant challenges in her career, particularly when introducing new technologies to the industry. Specifically, the application of space technology in the civil engineering industry was notably limited 15 or 10 years ago.
She notes that it required considerable time and effort to educate civil engineers, managers, and asset owners about the substantial benefits space technology could offer for monitoring the condition of assets like transportation networks, dams, tailing dams, buildings, and tunnels.
Balancing Passion with Family Life
Skevi says it is possible to achieve a work-life balance, though she is not sure about perfection. She adds that passion for one’s work is a great motivator and can lead to fulfillment. Of course, she notes, it is important to dedicate quality time to family. She tries to have at least one day a week for family activities and enjoys short family trips to different cities or countries. Her hobbies include going to the gym and spending time with friends. In the summer, she enjoys relaxing by the sea.
Expanding Horizons: Vision for Geofem’s Global Growth
Skevi envisions a dynamic future for Geofem, focused on significant geographic and market expansion. She plans to enter new markets and strengthen the company’s presence in various regions.
Geofem is already engaged in projects across multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the UAE, and South Africa. Building on this international experience, Skevi aims to broaden the company’s reach even further. Her strategy includes not only targeting new markets but also enhancing Geofem’s footprint in existing geographical areas.
“You should choose to do something you are passionate about and try every single day to give your best!”
“It is very important to have people around you who have the same dream and passion during the journey.”
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