We are delighted to announce that ECSTATIC’s research has been featured in Il Post, a nationwide Italian online newspaper, published on 6 January 2026. The article highlights the innovative potential of using submarine fibre‑optic cables for environmental and geophysical sensing.
The feature explains how telecom fibres, originally designed for global connectivity, can also detect ultra‑low‑frequency signals in quiet deep‑water environments. It references EU‑funded research where changes in light polarisation on undersea cables may correlate with geophysical activity. Within ECSTATIC, our consortium is working to validate these sensing and data‑processing approaches in real‑world trials, ensuring that this research is conducted responsibly and transparently. The goal is to complement existing monitoring and early‑warning systems, not to predict earthquakes.
Importantly, the article also mentions two ECSTATIC partners:
The laying of a BlueMed fibre optic cable on the coast of Cyprus (Sparkle)
- Prof. Antonio Mecozzi (University of L’Aquila), who provided expert insights on fibre‑based sensing; and
- SPARKLE, whose Mediterranean subsea network was cited in the discussion of light‑polarisation signals.
This recognition underscores the relevance of ECSTATIC’s work in advancing joint communications and sensing technologies for societal benefit.
