Antoine Plumacker

Antoine Plumacker is a researcher with the CANOPiresearch project, which aims to assess the resilience of Central African forests to climate change. He holds a bioengineering degree with a specialization in Forest and Natural Area Management.

What is your typical day, or different types of day?

I conduct my study independently. As a result, every day is a bit different, and I'm lucky enough to have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to getting organized. When I'm on assignment, I use drones and field surveys to try and understand how the forest is adapting to the aridification of the area. When I'm in Belgium, the surveys continue in Africa. So I have to work with local collaborators to ensure continuous acquisition. For my part, I also have to analyze my data and use AI tools to model the functioning of the ecosystem observed. Another important aspect of my work is communicating my results, whether with students or other researchers, throughscientific articles or seminars abroad.

Why did you choose to study?

I always wanted to study engineering with the idea offinding solutions to problems. Then I realized that I liked trying to understand the most complex system of all: living things. I've always been very interested in biology. I was very concerned about climate change and theerosion of biodiversity, and wanted to do everything I could to help reverse the trend.

What were your objectives at the time of your choice and/or during your studies?

To understand how to use new technologies to help nature.

To what extent did you achieve these goals?

During my forestry training, I focused on developing my skills in remote sensing (using and processing drone and satellite images) and machine learning and deep learning (AI) methods to achieve this goal.

What is your role in the company?

Good question ahaha... I hope to make a contribution by advancing the science of understanding tropical forest ecosystems.

Do you see yourself as an "actor" / "actress" of change?

In any case, I'm committed to trying to be one on a daily basis.

What memories do you have of your student life at Gembloux?

Phew, there's a lot (and I'm sure a lot of memories I've forgotten...). The many people I met during my studies, who are now faithful friends. The many festivities I got involved in. In the end, I think that student life gave me the last points that training couldn't give: living together and creating a network that goes beyond just exchanging three words by e-mail with a colleague/sister.

Watch the video portrait of Antoine Plumacker