FAIRNESS

In October 2021, the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) awarded funding for the FAIR network of micrometeorological measurement (FAIRNESS) Action for four years (2021-2025) to increase readiness, support knowledge exchange, and provide a solid background for future research and innovation focused on micrometeorological measurements and applications, as well as improve data access through the establishment of the first pan-European micrometeorological network. The action will support groundbreaking scientific discoveries and the strengthening of European research and innovation capabilities.

A critical component in assessing projections of trends and impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on the environment and underlying ecosystems at all spatial and temporal scales is the availability of reliable and sufficient knowledge of environmental conditions or processes at a subgrid scale (below 1 km) derived from micrometeorological and microclimatological data. This information is lacking in established synoptic and satellite data sources and is necessary to capture the meteorological conditions of the microenvironment.

Work under this action aims to establish the first European platform for knowledge exchange in micrometeorology, focusing on several key aspects and activities:

1. Establishing a comprehensive inventory of existing micrometeorological in situ data.
2. Establish protocols and recommendations for guided data collection and management with the goal of maintaining FAIRness of data and avoiding temporal and spatial gaps.
3. Curate and maintain complete datasets of key variables from rural and urban micrometeorological records that can be used for modeling and sector-specific assessment studies in relevant agricultural, forestry, and health applications.

A fundamental goal of the FAIRNESS-COST Action is to create reliable synergies among researchers, decision-makers, and stakeholders through the development of the knowledge-sharing platform, to improve existing micrometeorological data collection and monitoring methodologies, and to continuously integrate new members from Europe and beyond, thus expanding the spatial and transdisciplinary dimensions of the initiative.

The initiative is open to all interested participants after approval by the Management Committee.

Are you interested in participating? You can submit your application at the following link.

For more information, please visit: https://www.fairness-ca20108.eu

Uni Kassel, Britta Jänicke is a member of the Administrative Committee and a member of Working Groups 1 and 2.