About

Effective planning and response to climate and weather supports strong economies, robust infrastructure, and resilient communities. However, effective planning and response has become more challenging due to long- and short-term impacts of climate change, outdated infrastructure, and the unequal impacts of weather and climate on different communities. These challenges require multidisciplinary research and education in atmospheric sciences and complementary fields to create innovative solutions that have real-world impact.

The mission of PCAR is to translate atmospheric research into improved hazardous weather predictions and information systems that result in societal benefits.

PCAR will revolutionize the nation’s ability to forecast, plan and respond to climate and weather. To achieve this mission the center will conduct research and education in Atmospheric Sciences, Distributed Geophysical Sensing, and Hazard Warning and Mitigation. The center will seek funding opportunities to support these activities with the goal of creating platforms for continuing innovation and new educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Finally, the center will have a goal of creating a diverse and inclusive environment that attracts members and collaborators from all backgrounds.

PCAR builds on the long-term support of Jerry and Linda Paros and the National Science Foundation. Our journey in atmospheric sensing started in 2003 when the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded the Engineering  Research Center for 

Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere