CLOUD

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) has signed an agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to renew its management of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for five years.

The award was made after an extensive review of NCAR’s accomplishments and the management of the center by UCAR. 

Stephan Nelson, who oversees NCAR at NSF, noted that NCAR plays an important role in accomplishing the scientific objectives of the NSF Division of the Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences. He said NSF looks forward to a productive five-year relationship with UCAR.

NCAR is a world leader in the geosciences, focusing on better understanding of weather, air quality, upper atmospheric phenomena, the Sun, and the societal impacts of weather and climate. It works with meteorologists worldwide to improve forecasting and better protect society from weather hazards.

Its detailed atmospheric modeling and supercomputing capabilities are leading to landmark advances in renewable energy, wildfire prediction, aircraft routing, projections of weather-related diseases, drought and flood understanding, and long-term forecasts of weather.

"We're very gratified that UCAR will continue to manage NCAR in a unique partnership with NSF and the university community, " says UCAR president Thomas Bogdan. "The atmospheric research by NCAR and its partners is of supreme importance to public safety and the economy.

The new agreement runs through September 30, 2018.

UCAR and NCAR have a staff of about 1,400 employees. They contributed about $420 million to the state economy in fiscal year 2012, supporting direct and indirect employment of more than 3,100 workers.