Read about Liubov Poshyvailo-Strube

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

I have always been fascinated by new natural phenomena and scientific discoveries. With a background in physics, my career has closely intertwined with technology. It began with relatively simple simulations of enzyme-catalysed reactions during my master’s program, later moved to investigating stratospheric water vapor using the Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS) during my doctoral studies, and advanced to large-scale regional simulations with the Terrestrial System Modelling Platform (TSMP) on the JUWELS supercomputer, examining the impact of groundwater on heat waves in Europe under different climate change scenarios.

I have long aspired to a career where I could leverage my technical expertise to tackle global challenges. Working at the UN Global Geodesy Centre of Excellence gives me an excellent opportunity to apply my technical knowledge and skills while contributing to the well-being of humanity and the planet.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

I enjoy projects that challenge me professionally, opening new horizons for applying my expertise to real-world problems, and help me expand my current knowledge. One such project aims to develop a robust global geodetic supply chain (which comprises ground-based observatories as well as data, analysis, combination, correlation and geodetic product development centres, etc.) and supports the implementation of the General Assembly resolution 69/266 “A Global Geodetic Reference Frame for Sustainable Development”.

This project significantly contributes to socio-economic development of Member States and promotes evidence-based decision-making in various sectors where navigation and precise positioning systems are required: sea-level and climate change monitoring, natural hazard and disaster management, land and water administration, industrial applications (e.g., civil engineering and construction, mining, transport), public safety, financial market operations, etc.

My role in this project involves conceptualising the robust global geodesy supply chain, identifying issues in the current geodetic infrastructure, developing new approaches to address existing gaps, and assessing the significance of these efforts for Member States. Additionally, this work will initiate actions within Member States, assisting them in modernising their geodetic infrastructure, thereby enhancing efficiency and quality of geodetic processes and, ultimately, meeting user requirements for accurate and reliable geodetic products.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

Stay resilient and persistent. Foster your curiosity to delve into the realm of numbers to uncover hidden correlations in natural phenomena. Devise innovative ideas and propose creative solutions, making a meaningful contribution to the evolution of humanity and the entire planet.