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University of Florida

UF joins prestigious UCAR Consortium to advance atmospheric and earth science research


The University of Florida has been accepted as a member of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), a premier consortium that unites top-tier institutions in atmospheric and Earth system sciences.

This new partnership opens the door to expanded research collaborations, advanced training opportunities and unparalleled access to cutting-edge resources for UF students and faculty.

UCAR manages the National Science Foundation’s National Weather Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, which is home to advanced supercomputing facilities and groundbreaking research in atmospheric, climate and system sciences. As a newly approved member, UF now has the opportunity to both benefit from and contribute to its collective impact for at least the next eight years.

“We felt that it was important, now that we have a meteorology program, to be a member of UCAR so that the University of Florida has representation as a UCAR member,” said Assistant Professor of Geography Esther Mullens, Ph.D. who led the application effort. “This allows our students and faculty to engage with UCAR and NCAR, opening doors to programs, collaborations and resources that will benefit the entire university.”

Although the Department of Geography initiated the application, UCAR membership applies to the entire university. Other UF units, including journalism and communications, IFAS, geology and sustainability will all have access to UCAR’s resources and opportunities.

“UF’s new membership in UCAR is an incredible opportunity for our students and researchers to advance their work and increase the impact of their research,” said Kurtis Gurley, Ph.D. interim director of the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment.  “I have only just heard of this honor and I’m already making plans to harness this membership as an accelerant for my scholarship, teaching and mentoring.”

“The is an exciting moment,” said Tim Miller, chief meteorologist in the College of Journalism and Communications and director of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network. “Partnering with UCAR gives aspiring student meteorologist access to a vast array of data resources and programs, allowing them to grow exponentially as they hone their craft.”

Meteorology extends to UF's Institute for for Food and Agricultural sciences, where the Florida Automated Weather Network helps the state's growers respond to changing weather. Since 1997, their network of dozens of weather stations helps Florida's farmers protect their crops from severe weather and rare frosts.

"We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with other research disciplines, both at UF and other universities, and to possibly establish a presence in the educational community," said Rick Lusher, director of the UF/IFAS weather network.