Our Mission

To advance the use of meteorological satellite data to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to meet the nation’s weather and climate needs.

Our Vision

A more informed society, prepared for and resilient to weather and climate changes through the effective use of meteorological satellite observations.

Our Organization

Founded in 1980 , the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin–Madison and NOAA. One of 17 NOAA cooperative institutes across the US, CIMSS works closely with NOAA’s Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) to facilitate the transfer of research to operations. Collaborations are further enhanced by the institute’s placement within the UW–Madison Space Science and Engineering Center.

Led by Director Tristan L’Ecuyer, the institute is uniquely positioned to conduct research using satellite data and other remote sensing systems to study the Earth’s atmosphere. Our research is organized around the four central themes below.

Research Themes

Satellite Meteorology Research and Applications

Supporting weather analysis and forecasting by developing, evaluating, and analyzing new and innovative satellite products and guiding their transition into NOAA operations.

Satellite Sensors and Measurement Techniques

Characterizing sensor performance, providing long-term calibration, specifying instrument characteristics for future satellite imagers and sounders, deriving data products that support situational awareness and meteorological applications using cloud computing and machine learning approaches.

Environmental Models and Data Assimilation

Increasing the utilization of satellite data in nowcasting, operational weather analysis and prediction, and atmospheric chemistry models through advanced assimilation techniques.

Outreach and Education

Engaging the workforce of the future in understanding and using environmental satellite observations for the benefit of an informed society.

Partnerships

CIMSS works closely with federal government scientists stationed at UW–Madison as well as other NOAA cooperative institutes, offices, and laboratories.  Our close proximity to the UW–Madison Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences provides strong ties to academia and students, enabling CIMSS to contribute to training future scientists and the NOAA workforce.  CIMSS also maintains strong connections to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Office, domestic and international universities, research institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, industry and other stakeholders. CIMSS is noted for its long history of forming strategic alliances with international colleagues, agencies and influential working groups to advance the field of satellite remote sensing.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CIMSS is committed to increasing diversity within the cooperative institute, across NOAA and in STEM fields because the best research benefits from the experiences, ideas and opinions of teams with diverse backgrounds. We aim to build an inclusive environment by embracing new approaches to mentoring and educating students from diverse backgrounds, and incorporating diverse perspectives into our research.