IIT Madras and the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) have launched the Virtual Research Centre on Aerosol–Meteorology Interactions (VAYYU). The center will advance earth system science, weather prediction, and air quality research. It unites Indian and Finnish expertise in climate modeling and environmental forecasting.
VAYYU Climate Centre Details
The new center builds on two existing projects. The CryoSCOPE project , funded at €10 million , studies Himalayan atmosphere-cryosphere processes in Kargil. The CO ENHANCIN project , worth five crore rupees , established an advanced urban observatory in Chennai. This observatory uses aerosol analyzers and lidar profilers to collect real-time data.
Data from these facilities helps understand glacier melt, hydro-climate changes, and pollution in major Indian cities. VAYYU aims to improve climate chemistry modeling over India. It seeks to reduce uncertainties in pollution-climate interactions, especially in urban areas.
Joint Research and Exchanges
IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti stated that climate change monitoring is a critical global research area. He welcomed the partnership with FMI. FMI Director Petteri Taalas noted the collaboration strengthens ongoing work on environmental challenges.
Research centre coordinator Chandan Sarangi highlighted the current uncertainty in pollution-climate coupling. VAYYU will bring together observational scientists, modelers, and engineers to address this. The center focuses on improving coupled climate chemistry models.
Human Resource Development
The initiative includes human resource development through student and faculty exchanges. It will also feature winter schools on cryosphere modeling and summer internships. Specialized workshops will be offered. Participants will gain access to FMI’s supercomputing infrastructure.
VAYYU will develop joint research proposals aligned with India’s priorities. This enhances long-term research cooperation and capacity building. Rakesh K Hooda, lead collaborator, confirmed the center’s focus on multilateral and bilateral research.
The VAYYU center will generate climate-risk insights. It will also develop improved environmental forecasting tools. This partnership aims for advancements in earth system science.