The Hans-Ertel Centre for Weather Research is a network of German
universities, research institutes and the German Weather Service (Deutscher
Wetterdienst, DWD). It has been established to trigger and intensify basic
research and education on weather forecasting and climate monitoring. The
performed research ranges from nowcasting and short-term weather forecasting
to convective-scale data assimilation, the development of parameterizations
for numerical weather prediction models, climate monitoring and the
communication and use of forecast information. Scientific findings from the
network contribute to better understanding of the life-cycle of shallow and
deep convection, representation of uncertainty in ensemble systems, effects of
unresolved variability, regional climate variability, perception of forecasts
and vulnerability of society. Concrete developments within the research
network include dual observation-microphysics composites, satellite forward
operators, tools to estimate observation impact, cloud and precipitation
system tracking algorithms, large-eddy-simulations, a regional reanalysis and
a probabilistic forecast test product. Within three years, the network has
triggered a number of activities that include the training and education of
young scientists besides the centre's core objective of complementing DWD's
internal research with relevant basic research at universities and research
institutes. The long term goal is to develop a self-sustaining research
network that continues the close collaboration with DWD and the national and
international research community