NEW DELHI (India CSR): In its efforts to strengthen collaborative research and data sharing in meteorology, climate science, and environmental studies, Ashoka University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. The MoU was formalised during the 2nd Annual Workshop on AI/ML Methods in Weather and Climate Modelling, hosted by Ashoka University’s Safexpress Centre for Data, Learning and Decision Sciences (SCDLDS). 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.
Advancing Climate Research
The partnership aims to promote deeper collaboration by facilitating data sharing for solutions to key scientific and societal problems pertaining to weather, climate variability, forecasting, and disaster risk reduction. It 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 & adaptation strategies, and the impact on agriculture.
Collaborative Academic Programs
Both IMD and Ashoka University will collaborate in the design and delivery of coursework, including lectures, practical training, fieldwork, examinations, and project guidance, in line with Ashoka University’s academic framework. The MoU also entails facilitation of student and researcher internships at IMD for hands-on experience with weather monitoring and forecasting.
Enhancing Meteorological Expertise
Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD, said, “We are delighted to partner with Ashoka University to advance the culture of research and innovation in the domains of meteorology and climate science. 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.”
Promoting Interdisciplinary Innovation
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.”
Machine Learning Applications
Sandeep Juneja, Professor of Computer Science, Director of Safexpress Centre for Data, Learning and Decision Sciences, said, “the new developments in machine learning in weather and climate modelling when combined with increased availability of large datasets and physics based classical weather and climate models, can dramatically improve extreme weather forecasts that may help in many ways including in saving lives and enhancing agricultural productivity.”
Secure Data Sharing
A key component of this collaboration is data sharing and management. Both institutions will establish clear protocols for secure and ethical sharing of meteorological, climatological, and remote sensing data with the university researchers, while setting clear guidelines on access, usage, storage, and intellectual property rights.
Capacity Building Initiatives
Moreover, capacity building and training will be integral to the partnership. The institutions will organise workshops, short-term courses, and training programmes in meteorological data analysis, climate modelling, and computational methods. Ashoka University and IMD will also jointly design and refine machine learning, and dynamical models for weather and climate applications, validating these tools using IMD’s historical datasets and Ashoka’s computational infrastructure.
Joint Oversight Committee
To maintain effective oversight, a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) comprising representatives from both institutions will be established. The committee will monitor progress, hold periodic reviews, and ensure smooth coordination between research teams.
(India CSR)
