Ashoka University, IMD join hands to strengthen India’s weather forecasting and climate research

Ashoka University has partnered with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), ministry of earth sciences, to strengthen collaborative research and data sharing in meteorology, climate science, and environmental studies.

The agreement signing ceremony took place during the 2nd Annual Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methods in weather and climate modelling, hosted by the university’s Safexpress Centre for Data, Learning and Decision Sciences (SCDLDS)

The partnership aims to solve societal problems pertaining to weather, climate variability, forecasting, and disaster risk reduction.

Improving India's weather forecasting capacity

The Centre has been working over the past few years to strengthen India’s capacity for improved weather forecasting, particularly in predicting extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, droughts, heat and cold waves and is engaging with IMD to bring in new machine learning tools and mathematical methodologies to such activities, the university said.

The ministry and the university will support joint research initiatives across meteorology, climate science, atmospheric physics, hydrology, and environmental sustainability.

“It will encourage the exploration of interdisciplinary topics such as impact of climate change, extreme weather events, air quality, and agro-meteorology, combining IMD’s observational datasets with Ashoka University’s analytical and computational expertise to improve weather and climate forecasting models, heatwave prediction, monsoon variability, assess climate risks and adaptation strategies, and the impact on agriculture,” the statement said.

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Coursework, internship opportunities

In addition, both IMD and Ashoka University have announced plans to develop coursework, including lectures, practical training, fieldwork, examinations, and project guidance, in line with the university’s academic framework.

The agreement also facilitates internship opportunities at IMD for students and researchers to gain hands-on experience in weather monitoring and forecasting.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general, IMD, said: “This partnership is set to benefit both the institutions, as the university will get IMD’s vast operational expertise and data resources, and we will benefit from Ashoka’s analytical and academic strengths. Together, we can develop better tools, models, and knowledge systems that will benefit society at large.”

Speaking at the event, Somak Raychaudhury, vice-chancellor of Ashoka University, said: “Our partnership with IMD represents a significant step in Ashoka’s commitment to interdisciplinary research with societal impact. By leveraging IMD’s extensive data and expertise, we will be able to contribute meaningfully to advancing climate science, improving weather forecasting, and preparing communities to adapt to the challenges of a changing environment.”

A Joint Steering Committee (JSC) comprising representatives from IMD and the university will be established to oversee the progress, hold periodic meetings, and ensure smooth coordination between research teams.