Met Éireann and UCD Launch AI Centre to Enhance Weather Forecasting

Met Éireann and University College Dublin (UCD) have launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) centre aimed at revolutionizing weather forecasting in response to the escalating challenges of climate change. The AIMSIR (AI for Meteorological Services, Innovation and Research) centre, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, was established with a significant investment of €5 million from the national meteorological service.

Bringing together a collaborative team of over 60 researchers from various fields including mathematics, physics, engineering, and climatology, the centre is positioned to create a hub of expertise that integrates data science with meteorological and climate research. UCD officials stated that this initiative will focus on developing AI-driven forecasting tools to enhance the accuracy of predictions for extreme weather events and improve weather and climate services across the country.

Transforming Weather Predictions

The AIMSIR centre will leverage more than a century of historical meteorological data, alongside current satellite imagery and sensor data, to identify weather and climate trends more efficiently than traditional methods. This advancement is expected to significantly reduce the time required to produce weather models, accomplishing in a few years what previously took decades.

A key objective of the centre is to integrate AI models into the operations of Met Éireann to bolster Ireland’s resilience against the growing threats posed by high-impact weather events. In its initial years, approximately 20 PhD students will be trained at the centre, and a new Master of Science programme in AI for Meteorology and Climate Change is also in the pipeline.

James Lawless, Minister for Research and Innovation, emphasized the centre’s vital role in enhancing national preparedness for extreme weather impacts. “This centre will play a key role in strengthening our national resilience and ensuring Ireland is not only prepared for the impacts of extreme weather but positioned to lead in the global response,” he stated.

A Pioneering Initiative for Ireland

Professor Orla Feely, UCD President, highlighted the necessity for improvements in weather prediction as climate change accelerates the frequency of extreme weather events. She stated, “Advances in weather prediction are crucial for the protection of people and infrastructure in Ireland.” Feely noted that the centre will combine cutting-edge knowledge and applications in data science, meteorology, and climate research, ensuring that Ireland remains at the forefront of this critical scientific field.

Eoin Moran, Director of Met Éireann, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding life and property through world-class science and innovation. “The creation of the AIMSIR research centre reflects a strategic investment in building national expertise in the application of data science to weather and climate,” he said.

This initiative not only signifies a step forward in weather forecasting capabilities but also positions Ireland to respond proactively to the challenges presented by climate change. By harnessing the power of AI, the AIMSIR centre aims to pave the way for enhanced safety and preparedness in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.