Duke University Joins the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Duke University has joined the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).

Founded in 1960, UCAR is a nonprofit consortium of more than 100 North American member colleges and universities focused on research and training in the atmospheric and related Earth system sciences. The organization also manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research with sponsorship by the National Science Foundation.

“When UCAR first formed, Duke was not the research university that it is today,” said Ana Barros, the James L. Meriam Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who led the initiative for Duke to join. “But between the Pratt School of Engineering and the Nicholas School of the Environment, our footprint in the atmospheric and related Earth system sciences has grown tremendously. We’ve reached a point of critical mass where joining UCAR was the obvious thing to do. I’m so proud.”

UCAR's community programs offer a suite of innovative resources, tools and services in support of the consortium's education and research goals. Along with Duke, new members of the consortium include the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; Louisiana State University; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; University of Massachusetts, Lowell; and University of Saskatchewan. The additions bring the total membership of UCAR up to 117.

"It is an honor to welcome these great universities to UCAR," said UCAR President Antonio Busalacchi. "The work of university researchers and educators is more important than ever as they train the next-generation workforce and collaborate with partners in government and the private sector to advance our understanding of the Earth system for the betterment of society."