Research Relations News

Atmospheric Research Centers Build Research Bridge

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and Britain’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) plan to formalize existing research links. A soon-to-be-signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will define a framework for ongoing scientific and educational cooperation between the two organizations through regular exchange of information, coordination of research and education programs, and development and implementation of joint research and development projects.

Signers of the NCAR-NCAS memorandum to advance collaboration in the atmospheric and related sciences gathered at NCAR on June 6, 2008. Seated from left: Stephen Mobbs (NCAS), Tim Killeen (NCAR); standing: Alan Gadian (NCAS), May Akrawi (British Consulate General, Houston), Geraint Vaughan (NCAS). Already, both centers carry out a wide range of research and educational activities, and develop, use and maintain a wide variety of scientific observing and modeling systems. They both also share a common vision of developing measurement and modeling tools and educational programs that support improved understanding of the interactions of the atmosphere and other elements of the Earth system.

The MOU will focus on:

Areas of overlapping research – including modeling and prediction – in the atmospheric and related sciences
Development and application of cyberinfrastructure
Design, development, and use of in situ and remote sensing observational systems
Education, outreach, and professional development

The National Science Foundation is the primary sponsor of NCAR, while the U.K. National Environmental Research Council funds NCAS.

Related: UCAR News Release.