University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

A main priority for the ASG was gaining and maintaining UConn membership in the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). This was accomplished when UConn was formally invited to join UCAR in the fall of 2008. We believe that this membership can not only aid our responsiveness to priorities but also is the UConn debut for leading Atmospheric Sciences on the national stage. Although several members of the ASG have active research programs with NCAR scientists, UCAR members provides UConn faculty and students with numerous additional opportunities in research, education and outreach.

UCAR is a NSF sponsored, non-profit consortium of >100 universities that manage the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Being a member of UCAR is being a leader in the atmospheric and related sciences. Being a member not only gives us firsthand knowledge of research directions and priorities and huge networking potential – it gives the University of Connecticut a voice and a vote to help shape those national directions and priorities. This knowledge will guide our researchers to collaborations and grant proposals which are better targeted and thus improve our chances of success.

The success of the UCAR depends greatly on the participation of the individual Members’ Representatives who serve as a formal link between their Member institutions and the UCAR programs. Representatives keep university colleagues informed about UCAR activities and, in turn present university perspectives and positions to UCAR.

Two representatives were formally appointed by the President Hogan in 2008 to represent the academic and administration interests of UConn. These are Professor Michael Willig (EEB, CESE) to represent our academic interests and Senior Vice Provost Suman Singha to represent our administrative interests. There are also opportunities for other faculty members, particularly early career faculty, to attend the UCAR fall meeting in Boulder, CO. Interested faculty are encourage to contact Professor Willig for additional information.