International weather centre moves to University of Reading campus
University say it'll be the largest cluster of weather scientists in the world
Last updated 8th Dec 2021
The University of Reading is going to be home to what they say will be the largest cluster of weather and climate scientists in the world.
The European centre for medium-range weather forecasts is to build a new state-of-the-art centre opposite the university's own meteorology department.
Currently the ECMWF is based about a mile away on the Shinfield Road.
Together with the University’s Department of Meteorology, and parts of the UK Met Office, NERC National Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and NERC National Centre for Earth Observation, all currently located with the Department of Meteorology, this will create the largest cluster of weather and climate research and operational forecasting in the world.
Dr Florence Rabier, Director-General of ECMWF, said:
“This is a very positive result for ECMWF, paving the way for a new headquarters building with sustainability at its core. We are grateful to the UK Government and the University of Reading for their thoughtful and thorough proposal and to all of our Member States for their support in approving it.”
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said:
“ECMWF and the University have worked closely together on cutting-edge science for decades, and have become known as leading institutions in the fields of weather and climate.
“I am thrilled that, through agreement between the UK Government and ECMWF, we will be able to build on this success at a time when a greater scientific understanding of the Earth’s changing weather and its impacts is more important than ever.”
Subject to planning, the international headquarters building will have a prominent location at the Earley Gate entrance to the Whiteknights campus. Its weather-inspired facade will be flanked by flags representing the member nations of the ECMWF Council. It will sit in a landscaped setting reflecting the parkland ethos of the University campus, with a design that takes inspiration from the nature of ECMWF research and operations.
Key internal features, such as the weather room, council chamber and atrium staircases, will reflect further themes around weather forecasting and environmental science.
The site of the building is currently home to the Reading School of Art, which will move into new space in and near the Polly Vacher Building with new specialist workshops, studio and gallery spaces, and offices.