The NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) invites applications for the establishment of a Cooperative Institute (CI) for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations. The proposed CI will conduct severe and highimpact weather research by improving NOAA's understanding of severe storms. This research will include, mesoscale and stormscale dynamics, atmospheric electricity, microphysics, and planetary boundary layer processes; development and application of observational tools (weather radar, profilers, mobile mesonet, lidars, (etc); development and application of high-resolution numerical prediction models, including associated physical parameterizations, data assimilation systems, and ensemble systems and that provide estimates of uncertainty associated with various outcomes; improved understanding of societal impacts of different strategies for informing the public about imminent severe weather; and the effects of climate change on frequency, intensity, and location of extreme weather.

The research activities described herein have been carefully defined to complement, rather than duplicate, research at other CIs, except in cases where there are advantages for such overlap. The CI may consist of one or more (e.g., a consortium) academic or non-profit, degree-granting institutions that possess an outstanding research program in one or more areas related to NOAA’s mission. The CI is strongly encouraged to work in conjunction with a range of supporting research affiliates, including, but not limited to other governmental agencies; private industry; non-traditional partners; and NOAA laboratories, and science and data centers; other CIs and Cooperative Science Centers (CSCs); and Sea Grant Colleges.

Deadline: Feb. 15, 2021