New Delhi, September 15, 2025: Ashoka University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences, to strengthen collaborative research and data sharing in meteorology, climate science, and environmental studies. The agreement was formalised during the 2nd Annual Workshop on AI/ML Methods in Weather and Climate Modelling, hosted by Ashoka University’s Safexpress Centre for Data, Learning and Decision Sciences (SCDLDS).
The partnership will facilitate joint research initiatives in meteorology, atmospheric physics, hydrology, and environmental sustainability. It also seeks to improve forecasting models for extreme weather events, heatwave prediction, monsoon variability, and assess climate risks and adaptation strategies, combining IMD’s observational datasets with Ashoka University’s analytical and computational expertise.
Highlighting the importance of the collaboration, Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD, said, “We are delighted to partner with Ashoka University to advance the culture of research and innovation in the domains of meteorology and climate science. This partnership is set to benefit both the institutions, as the university will get IMD’s vast operational expertise and data resources, and we will benefit from Ashoka’s analytical and academic strengths. Together, we can develop better tools, models, and knowledge systems that will benefit society at large.”
Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University, noted, “Our partnership with IMD represents a significant step in Ashoka’s commitment to interdisciplinary research with societal impact. By leveraging IMD’s extensive data and expertise, we will be able to contribute meaningfully to advancing climate science, improving weather forecasting, and preparing communities to adapt to the challenges of a changing environment.”
Sandeep Juneja, Professor of Computer Science and Director of SCDLDS, added, “The new developments in machine learning in weather and climate modelling when combined with increased availability of large datasets and physics-based classical weather and climate models, can dramatically improve extreme weather forecasts that may help in many ways including in saving lives and enhancing agricultural productivity.”
The MoU also provides for student and researcher internships at IMD, hands-on training in weather monitoring, and the design of coursework and fieldwork in line with Ashoka University’s academic framework. Both institutions will also conduct workshops, short-term courses, and training programmes in meteorological data analysis and climate modelling.
A Joint Steering Committee comprising representatives from both sides will oversee progress and coordination. Data sharing protocols will be established to ensure secure and ethical use of meteorological and climatological data.
