Met Éireann Team Up With UCD On AI Programme For Long-Term Weather Forecasting
Met Éireann has announced a new research project with UCD, which will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help improve the accuracy of long-term weather forecasting.
The multi-million-euro academic research programme will see Met Éireann working closely with a professor-led research group at UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics and UCD Earth Institute.
The national forecaster says the programme will focus on enhancing citizen safety, supporting weather-sensitive sectors, and using the latest innovations in data science and AI in weather and climate services.
It will see €1 million euro a year invested for an initial period of five years.
Eoin Moran, Director of Met Éireann said the programme is "a significant investment in the development of national forecasting capabilities and capacity but it will help make Ireland even more weather and climate prepared, by enhancing and improving the level of information available to the public".
Professor Helen Roche, UCD’s Interim Vice-President for Research, Impact and Innovation said AI has opened up opportunities to enhance our forecasting capabilities.
"UCD researchers will help develop AI-enhanced models to enable Met Éireann to build on its forecasting capabilities and make Ireland even more weather and climate prepared.
“This ground-breaking partnership between UCD and Met Éireann will help produce the next generation of climate and weather scientists and help ensure that we have the tools and expertise needed to tackle the climate emergency.
“UCD and Met Éireann have a long-standing relationship in working together to enhance weather forecasting. By harnessing the power of AI to support the protection of life, property and infrastructure, this partnership takes that relationship to the next level.”
