The National Center for Atmospheric Research, NCAR, was established in 1960 to serve as a focus for research on atmospheric and related science problems and is recognized for its scientific contributions to our understanding of the earth system, including climate change, changes in atmospheric composition, Earth-Sun interactions, weather formation and forecasting, and the impacts of all of these components on human societies.

With two major sites in Boulder, I.M. Pei's Mesa Laboratory and a newer Foothills Laboratory, NCAR's research is conducted in several principal disciplinary areas: atmospheric chemistry; mesoscale and microscale meteorology; solar and solar-terrestrial physics; and climate and the linking of climate with other environmental systems. Focused contributions are also made to national scientific initiatives. There are multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary efforts aimed at the development of a coupled climate system model which will simulate the complex interrelations between climate, weather, the sun, and the biosphere and oceans. Research on the societal interactions with atmospheric processes is an integral part of NCAR's program.

Observational and computational facilities and services are provided through the NSF to the university research community through competitive allocations, and are supported by NCAR staff. Educational activities are carried out by all divisions, ranging from K-12 to Post-doctoral levels.

The Center is operated by UCAR under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The NSF has been NCAR's primary sponsor since its inception. In addition, the Center carries out research sponsored by other federal agencies, such as NASA, NOAA, DOE, EPA, and the FAA when such research enhances NCAR's NSF-supported research goals or facilities missions.

For further information, call 303 497-1000.

Contact: Catherine Shea cshea@ucar.edu