The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) unites the Earth system science community, driving collaboration and innovation with real-world impact. With 131 member universities, including institutions across 43 states and D.C., UCAR advances research, education, and technology to benefit society.
The UCAR Community Programs (UCP) provide a suite of innovative resources, tools, and services to researchers, educators, and practitioners in the Earth system science community.
Managed by UCAR, the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) is a global leader in Earth system science. NSF NCAR advances scientific breakthroughs by providing the research community with cutting-edge modeling, observational tools, and computing resources. This frontier research delivers critical insights that protect lives, support the economy, and strengthen national security.
The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. It was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science; advance national health, prosperity, and welfare; and secure the national defense.
Managed by UCAR, the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) is a global leader in Earth system science. NSF NCAR advances scientific breakthroughs by providing the research community with cutting-edge modeling, observational tools, and computing resources. This frontier research delivers critical insights that protect lives, support the economy, and strengthen national security.
The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. It was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science; advance national health, prosperity, and welfare; and secure the national defense.
UCAR, a nonprofit consortium, manages NSF NCAR, a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Unlike civil servants or tenured professors, UCAR and NSF NCAR experts operate at the nexus of the federal government, academia, and the private sector, bringing unique perspectives to their work.
Our organization boasts a rich legacy of technological innovation and collaboration with private enterprises to address complex challenges. We work with car manufacturers, electric utilities, commercial airlines, aerospace companies, the insurance industry, private weather companies, and other businesses to translate research into solutions.
DICast®, developed at NSF NCAR, provides fine-tuned custom forecasts for user-defined locations and is utilized by companies operating across a wide range of industries, including those involved with road weather, agriculture, renewable energy, and pinpoint weather forecasting.
NSF NCAR built a wind energy forecasting system for Xcel Energy that, once implemented, began saving their customers about $10 million annually. We have since partnered with Xcel to implement a solar energy forecasting system that creates additional savings.
NSF NCAR has partnered with commercial airlines on a number of aviation projects, including in-flight turbulence warnings, as well as in-flight icing guidance. Information on the timing and effectiveness of using aircraft deicing fluids saved United Airlines $1 million during a single winter storm at O’Hare.
Our scientists work with the reinsurance industry to help them better understand and assess the future risks of extreme weather events, including landfalling tropical cyclones, heat waves, and wildfires.
Importantly, UCAR and NSF NCAR maintain a neutral stance on policy and political ideologies. Instead, we focus on providing research-backed insights that empower critical decision-making across public and private sectors. By doing so, we contribute to safeguarding lives, bolstering the economy, and enhancing national security.
As global investments in supercomputing, satellites, and research surge, our country’s longstanding competitive edge is at risk.
For over 65 years, UCAR has united top research universities to advance Earth science and improve lives. Support UCAR and NSF NCAR to keep America where we belong: ahead of the competition.
As global investments in supercomputing, satellites, and research surge, our country’s longstanding competitive edge is at risk.
For over 65 years, UCAR has united top research universities to advance Earth science and improve lives. Support UCAR and NSF NCAR to keep America where we belong: ahead of the competition.