- Announcements - lists.irowg.org

Condolences from ITWG
by Fiona Smith (she/her) 25 Sep '26

25 Sep '26

OFFICIAL Dear IROWG community and ECCC friends, I'm not sure if I am able to post to the IROWG list, but now that the dust has settled a little, I would like to offer condolences and sympathy to everyone who knew Josep, on behalf of the ITWG co-chairs and members. Although Josep was not part of the ITWG, we all work on similar problems to use our observations to help the world have better weather and climate projections. We know that the IROWG members and chairs, and local organisers will be in shock and disbelief to lose someone who was clearly held in such high regard by the community, but that it happened during the meeting makes it somehow so much more personal to everyone. Best wishes and regards, Fiona -- Fiona Smith (PhD, she/her) Satellite Data Assimilation Team Leader Research, Science and Innovation Group GPO Box 1289 Melbourne VIC 3001 Level 9, 700 Collins St, Docklands, VIC 3008 fiona.smith(a)bom.gov.au<mailto:fiona.smith@bom.gov.au> | www.bom.gov.au<http://www.bom.gov.au/> [cid:image001.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0] [cid:image002.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0]<https://www.facebook.com/bureauofmeteorology> [cid:image003.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0] <http://www.twitter.com/TheBureau_AU> [cid:image004.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0] <https://www.youtube.com/user/BureauOfMeteorology> [cid:image005.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0] <https://www.instagram.com/bureauofmeteorology/> [cid:image006.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/bureau-of-meteorology/> [cid:image007.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0] <http://www.bom.gov.au/> [cid:image008.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0] The Bureau of Meteorology acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. My main workplaces are on Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung Country. Important: This message may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you think it was sent to you by mistake, please delete all copies and advise the sender. [cid:image009.png@01DD4C16.E414C1E0] OFFICIAL

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A message from ECCC
by Hui Shao 21 Sep '26

21 Sep '26

Dear colleagues, I am forwarding below a message from Josep Aparicio's home organization, ECCC. I thought many of you would appreciate hearing these words, as we come together as a community to remember and mourn the loss of our dear colleague. I hope this message offers a small measure of comfort and closure to those who knew and worked with him. With sympathy, Hui --Forwarded email from JoelBedard (ECCC), 21.09.2026: Hello Ulrich. It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the passing of Josep last week. Thanks to Ben for contacting me and to both of you for dealing with the situation locally. It must have been difficult to deal with such an unexpected and sad event, and carry on with the event in such a situation. My condolences to you and the community. For many of us, Josep was far more than a colleague. As one of the pillars of ECCC data assimilation research section, he served as a trusted advisor, collaborator, mentor, and friend. Josep possessed an exceptional depth of knowledge of satellite observations, from GPS radio occultation and ground-based GPS to the broader challenges of observing and understanding the atmosphere. His scientific expertise was matched by his positivity and creativity. He always brought thoughtful perspectives and original ideas to discussions, making him a valued contributor to countless projects and initiatives. He was also deeply committed to supporting junior scientists, helping many of us grow as researchers. Josep leaves behind a lasting scientific legacy and an even greater personal one. He will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Thanks again for everything! Joel P.S. The authorities were successful at reaching out to Josep's spouse rapidly. I'll pass along your coordinates as she may have questions for you eventually. Thank you very much for that as well.

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Josep Aparicio
by Mannucci, Anthony J (US 3620) 15 Sep '26

15 Sep '26

We apologize for the premature message sent earlier today. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Josep Aparicio while he was attending IROWG. The community is in shock and coping as best we can. We held a memorial this morning to honor him and his memory. We hope you join us in keeping his family in your thoughts. Josep will be greatly missed. An electronic card that will be sent to Josep’s family has been arranged. We welcome your contribution if that is your interest. https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/b8442ecfc508b74<https://urldefense.us/v3/__https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/b8442ecfc508b…> We are so sorry for this news. Do not hesitate to reach out. Sincerely, Tony Mannucci, Rapporteur Ulrich Foelsche, Co-chair Hui Shao, Co-chair

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Electronic card for Josep
by Mannucci, Anthony J (US 3620) 14 Sep '26

14 Sep '26

Dear IROWG community, We have set up an electronic card for Josep. We welcome your contribution. The card is addressed to his family. They will receive it just after the workshop. Thank you. https://www.groupgreeting.com/sign/b8442ecfc508b74 -Tony [Image] Anthony Mannucci Deputy Section Manager 362 | Flight Communications and Tracking Section JPL 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena, CA 91109 Mail Stop 238-600 M: 818-653-6454 O: 818-354-1699 F: 818-393-4965 Anthony.J.Mannucci(a)jpl.nasa.gov<mailto:Anthony.J.Mannucci@jpl.nasa.gov>

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Discussion topics for NWP-subgroup
by Neill Bowler 11 Sep '26

11 Sep '26

OFFICIAL Dear IROWG community, We are currently preparing the agenda for upcoming discussions of the IROWG NWP Working Group and would appreciate your input. Are there any issues, challenges, scientific questions, or emerging topics that you would like the group to discuss? This could include operational experiences, data quality concerns, assimilation developments, observation operator issues, future missions, or any other topic relevant to the use of RO observations in NWP. So far, we have this tentative list of topics: * Is there a case to be made for NWP benefiting from more than 20k occultations per day? * What evidence do we have for the additional benefit from an even coverage of data in latitude and local time? (Thanks Rick for sharing Nikki's paper) * With the transition to US data to NOAA-STAR, what does the community need in order to ensure that the transition is successful? Please send us your suggestions by replying to this email. We welcome contributions from all members of the IROWG community. We look forward to hearing your ideas. Kind regards, Katrin Lonitz and Neill Bowler Chairs of the IROWG NWP Working Group Neill Bowler GNSS radio occultation Met Office FitzRoy Road Exeter EX1 3PB United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)3301 351859 neill.bowler(a)metoffice.gov.uk<mailto:neill.bowler@metoffice.gov.uk> Web: www.metoffice.gov.uk<http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/> Pronouns: he, him, his. Why specify gender pronouns?<https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/sharing-gender-pronouns-at-work> [A button with "Hear my name" text for name playback in email signature]<https://www.name-coach.com/neill-bowler> OFFICIAL

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OPAC-IROWG 2026 - Program
by Ulrich Foelsche 02 Sep '26

02 Sep '26

Dear IROWG, please have a look at the (almost final) *conference program* at https://opacirowg2026.uni-graz.at/en/programme/ or directly at https://static.uni-graz.at/fileadmin/_files/_event_sites/_opacirowg2026/OPA… We have been able to allocate a talk for everyone, who wanted a talk - and a poster, for everyone who wanted a poster (poster boards are 140 cm high and 90 cm wide). I hope that you don't mind if you should find your contribution as an "invited" one. By default, the *hotel registration* is open until *21:00* (9 pm). If you arrive later - please inform the hotel (and also us). In the extremely unlikely case that you have not *registered *yet - or signed on for the *social events* - please do so. There is *no on-site registration*. On *Saturday* afternoon we will make a *small **hiking tou**r* in the surrounding vineyards (picture attached), where we will also learn how the wine is grown (before we taste it at the conference dinner and on Monday). You don't need high-mountain equipment, but some appropriate shoes and rain protection. This site is in German only, but the pictures at the bottom of the page should give you an idea what to expect: https://www.fachschulen.steiermark.at/cms/beitrag/12794339/159651264/ We are looking forward to welcoming you in Austria - next week! Uli Foelsche, on behalf of the organizing committee. U. Foelsche, J. Danzer, M. Schwärz, (WEGC & IPhys UniGraz, AT), OPAC Chairs H. Shao (Naval Research Lab., USA), IROWG Co-Chair A.J. Mannucci (JPL, Pasadena, USA), IROWG-CGMS Rapporteur -- ************************************************************************** - Ulrich Foelsche - University of Graz - Institute of Physics, Department of Astrophysics and Geophysics (AGP) - Universitaetsplatz 5, 8010 Graz, Austria - Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change (WEGC) - Brandhofgasse 5, 8010 Graz, Austria - Tel: +43-316-380-8590 - E-mail: ulrich.foelsche(a)uni-graz.at **************************************************************************

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FW: Announcement draft for IROWG - WG III action
by Mannucci, Anthony J (US 3620) 19 Aug '26

19 Aug '26

Dear IROWG colleagues, At the latest Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) plenary meeting (June 2026), IROWG was notified that CGMS Working Group III (WGIII) tasked IROWG with coordinating a scientific assessment of the impact of the decline in COSMIC-2 radio occultation (RO) observations expected as the constellation ages. The IROWG assessment is to inform the next WGIII Risk Assessment Workshop (24–26 February 2027). FYI, IROWG is under CGMS-WGII (Satellite data and products), while WGIII is the Working Group on Operational Continuity and Contingency Planning. The action reads: Action # Actionee AGN item Description Action feedback/closing document Deadline Status 54.01p_wgiii IROWG WGIII IROWG to assess the impact of the decline in COSMIC data availability, possibly distinguishing between the respective contributions of low- and medium-inclination orbit, and analysing the number of RO required to mitigate the risk 4 June 2026 - A follow-up call will be arranged to better understand how the action item supports agency priorities - IROWG can help coordinate an assessment - The timeline for completing the assessment depends on the detailed plan for conducting the assessment End of 2026 (9th WGIII RAWS: 24-26 Feb 2027) OPEN WGIII has indicated that “we do not need IROWG to weigh in on the potential acquisitions strategies for data, but rather to provide information about what data is needed to maintain capabilities and/or mitigate loss of COSMIC-2.The purpose of the action is for IROWG to provide information to WGIII in advance of the next Risk Assessment to inform WGIII discussion/evaluation of risk posed by degradation/loss of COSMIC-2 and, if needed, discussion of potential contingencies to mitigate loss of COSMIC-2. The questions WGIII would like the IROWG to answer are: 1. From a scientific perspective, what is the minimum number of equatorial (low inclination) RO needed to maintain current performance of operational NWP 2. Define what they mean by low inclination (clarify the orbital characteristics for low inclination so we can be sure we are all talking about the same thing) 3. Identify if there are options to use increases in the number of non-low inclination RO to mitigate the loss of COSMIC 2 and if so, to be specific about how many additional occultations (be specific about number and distribution needed). " The IROWG Co-Chairs will meet with WGIII shortly after IROWG-11 (September 2026) to provide an update on the community's progress. Therefore, we would like to begin gathering relevant information before the workshop and continue the discussion during IROWG-11. We would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who has: * existing publications, reports, or presentations relevant to the impact of declining COSMIC-2 observations; * ongoing studies or planned work related to this topic; * operational or research experience that could help inform the scientific assessment. We recognize that IROWG is an international scientific working group, and contributions are entirely voluntary. Existing analyses, ongoing work, and expert perspectives are all valuable. If there is sufficient interest, the IROWG Co-Chairs would also be happy to organize an informal community discussion before IROWG-11 to exchange ideas and help facilitate discussion during the workshop. If you have relevant material or would like to contribute to this assessment, please contact the IROWG Co-Chairs at your convenience. Thank you in advance for your help and for supporting this community effort. Best regards, Hui Shao and Uli Foelsche, IROWG Co-Chairs Tony Mannucci, IROWG Rapporteur

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Registration open - OPAC-IROWG 2026
by Ulrich Foelsche 31 Jul '26

31 Jul '26

Dear IROWG, Please register for OPAC-IROWG 2026! ============================================== *Conference registration* is open until *July 31*: https://opacirowg2026.uni-graz.at/en/registration <https://opacirowg2026.uni-graz.at/en/registration> ============================================== Remember: the registration includes lunch and dinner (except Sunday), Get-together party, drinks during the poster session, conference dinner, wine tasting (we don't force you to drink wine - but it is included), ... Thanks to our *sponsors*: https://opacirowg2026.uni-graz.at/en/sponsors/ we have been able to keep the registration fee in a reasonable range, and to reduce the fee for students to 250.- EUR We are currently planning the detailed program, some key points are: Wednesday, Sept. 9: arrival in Seggauberg, Dinner included Thursday, Sept. 10: Workshop starts at 9:00 Get-together dinner in the evening. Friday: Poster session (including drinks) in the evening. Saturday: IROWG Subgroup-meetings, excursion and conference dinner. Sunday is free - you can relax, or prepare your talk ... Monday: Guided wine cellar tour (incl. wine tasting) Wednesday, Sept. 16: Workshop ends around noon, Lunch included If there is urgent need for a side meeting (e.g. on the BUFR format ...), this could happen on Tuesday evening. Please check the workshop page for updates, e.g. regarding travel info: https://opacirowg2026.uni-graz.at/en/info/ We are looking forward to seeing you in Austria in September! Uli Foelsche, on behalf of the organizing committee. U. Foelsche, J. Danzer, M. Schwärz, (WEGC & IPhys UniGraz, AT), OPAC Chairs H. Shao (Naval Research Lab., USA), IROWG Co-Chair A.J. Mannucci (JPL, Pasadena, USA), IROWG-CGMS Rapporteur ===================================================================== -- ************************************************************************** - Ulrich Foelsche - University of Graz - Institute of Physics, Department of Astrophysics and Geophysics (AGP) - Universitaetsplatz 5, 8010 Graz, Austria - Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change (WEGC) - Brandhofgasse 5, 8010 Graz, Austria - Tel: +43-316-380-8590 - E-mail: ulrich.foelsche(a)uni-graz.at **************************************************************************

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Summary of the 3rd PRO Workshop
by Estel Cardellach 07 Jul '26

07 Jul '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the summary report of the *3rd Polarimetric Radio Occultation (PRO) Workshop* has now been published online in the /Journal of the European Meteorological Society/: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemets.2026.100045 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemets.2026.100045> The workshop materials, including presentations and additional information, are available through the following link: https://irowg.org/gnss-pro-workshop-gnss-pro-3/ <https://irowg.org/gnss-pro-workshop-gnss-pro-3/?utm_source=chatgpt.com> We thank all participants and contributors for their valuable discussions and continued efforts in advancing Polarimetric Radio Occultation science and applications. Joe, Christian and Estel

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Re: Positions in Atmospheric and Environmental Data Assimilation at ECCC
by Aparicio,Josep (ECCC) 04 Jun '26

04 Jun '26

For diffusion / Pour diffusion: -------------------------------- Positions in Atmospheric and Environmental Data Assimilation Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking two highly motivated candidate (one postdoctoral fellow and one research scientist) to undertake cutting-edge research in atmospheric and environmental data assimilation. These positions are intended to be offered for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of renewal or transition to a permanent role. The successful candidates will contribute to the advancement of operational numerical weather and environmental prediction (NWEP) systems, with a particular focus on improving the assimilation of atmospheric and environmental observations from both ground-based and space-based remote sensing platforms. The positions are within the Numerical Modelling and Prediction Research Division, where candidates will join a multidisciplinary team of data assimilation and modelling scientists. This team is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in ensemble-based methods (e.g., EnKF, LETKF) and four-dimensional ensemble-variational (4DEnVar) data assimilation techniques. ECCC is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: * Ensemble and/or variational data assimilation methodologies (including coupled data assimilation) * Remote sensing, with emphasis on radiative transfer processes and algorithms * Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in geosciences * Observation quality control and bias correction techniques Additional assets include: * Programming experience in Fortran, Python (object-oriented programming), and SQLite * Working experience with numerical weather and environmental prediction (NWEP) systems Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to contact Dr. Joel Bedard (joel.bedard(a)ec.gc.ca<mailto:joel.bedard@ec.gc.ca>) Applicants must submit: * A current curriculum vitae, including a list of publications * Information on their country of citizenship/origin * If applicable, their current immigration status in Canada (e.g., work visa, permanent residency, etc.) Candidates who have obtained their PhD within the past three (3) years in a field of natural sciences are also encouraged to apply through the Postdoctoral Research Program (Postdoctoral Research Program - Natural Resources Canada<https://natural-resources.canada.ca/corporate/careers/postdoctoral-research…>), which offers a streamlined hiring process and simplifies requirements for individuals without prior status in Canada. -------------------------------- Postes en assimilation de données atmosphériques et environnementales Environnement et Changement climatique Canada (ECCC) Environnement et Changement climatique Canada (ECCC) est à la recherche de deux candidats hautement motivés (un stagiaire postdoctoral et un chercheur scientifique) afin de mener des travaux de recherche de pointe en assimilation de données atmosphériques et environnementales. Ces postes devraient être offerts sous forme de postes à durée déterminée de trois ans, avec possibilité de renouvellement ou de transition vers un poste permanent. Les candidats retenus contribueront à l’avancement des systèmes opérationnels de prévision numérique du temps et de l’environnement (PNTE), notamment en améliorant l’assimilation des observations atmosphériques et environnementales provenant de plateformes de télédétection terrestres et spatiales. Les postes sont offerts au sein de la division de la recherche en modélisation et prévision numériques, où les candidats intégreront une équipe multidisciplinaire de scientifiques en assimilation de données et en modélisation. Cette équipe est reconnue internationalement pour ses travaux novateurs sur les méthodes basées sur les ensembles (p. ex. EnKF, LETKF) et les techniques d’assimilation variationnelles (4DEnVar). ECCC s’intéresse particulièrement aux candidats possédant une expertise dans un ou plusieurs des domaines suivants : * Méthodes d’assimilation de données ensemblistes et/ou variationnelles (y compris l’assimilation couplée) * Télédétection, avec un accent sur les processus et algorithmes de transfert radiatif * Apprentissage automatique et intelligence artificielle appliqués aux géosciences * Contrôle de la qualité des observations et techniques de correction des biais Atouts supplémentaires : * Expérience en programmation en Fortran, Python (programmation orientée objet) et SQLite * Expérience pratique des systèmes de prévision numérique du temps et de l’environnement (PNTE) Processus de candidature : Les candidats intéressés sont invités à communiquer avec : Dr Joel Bedard (joel.bedard(a)ec.gc.ca<mailto:joel.bedard@ec.gc.ca>) Les candidats doivent soumettre : * Un curriculum vitae à jour, incluant une liste de publications * Des informations sur leur pays de citoyenneté/origine * Le cas échéant, leur statut d’immigration actuel au Canada (p. ex. permis de travail, résidence permanente, etc.) Les candidats ayant obtenu leur doctorat au cours des trois (3) dernières années dans un domaine des sciences naturelles sont également encouragés à présenter leur candidature dans le cadre du Programme de recherche postdoctorale (Programme de recherche postdoctorale - Ressources naturelles Canada<https://ressources-naturelles.canada.ca/organisation/carrieres/programme-re…>), qui offre un processus d’embauche simplifié et facilite les démarches pour les personnes n’ayant pas de statut préalable au Canada. -------------------------------- Joel -- Joel Bédard Directeur de Recherche, Recherche en Assimilation de Données et en Prévision Immédiate Direction Générale des Sciences et de la Technologie - Division de la Recherche en Modélisation et Prévision Numérique Environnement et Changement Climatique Canada / Gouvernement du Canada joel.bedard(a)ec.gc.ca<mailto:joel.bedard@canada.ca> / Tél: +1 514-592-9482 - Research Manager, Data Assimilation and Nowcasting Research Science and Technology Branch – Numerical Modelling and Prediction Research Division Environment and Climate Change Canada / Government of Canada joel.bedard(a)ec.gc.ca<mailto:joel.bedard@ec.gc.ca> / Tél: +1 514-592-9482

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