Centre for Earth System Observation and Computational Analysis
About CESOC
Empowering Earth system observation through innovative research and collaboration.
The Centre for Earth System Observation and Computational Analysis (CESOC) is a research partnership between the University of Bonn, the University of Cologne, and Forschungszentrum Jülich.
Founded in October 2020, CESOC supported Bonn’s successful application to host the new premises of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Since ECMWF’s Bonn office opened in summer 2021, CESOC has been working in close cooperation with ECMWF and other partners to advance Earth system research.
CESOC currently brings together around 150 members including students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and academic staff from a range of disciplines in geosciences, mathematics, and computational science. This diverse community drives interdisciplinary collaboration and joint research initiatives.
CESOC is financed through contributions from its partner institutions, including central university funds, the Key Profile Area Intelligent Methods for the Earth System Sciences (IMFESS) at Cologne, and the Transdisciplinary Research Area Modelling (TRA1) at Bonn.
150
Members
100+
Talks & Seminars
24
Projects
Vision
CESOC’s vision is to transform Earth system science through interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and innovative education.
We strive for:
- Strong connections between geosciences and data science, including high-performance computing and machine learning.
- New approaches to Earth system modellingintegrating processes across the climate system.
- Seamless fusion of observations and modelsfor real-time monitoring.
This vision is supported by an interdisciplinary research culture, close ties across faculties, and joint educational programs that prepare the next generation of scientists.
Mission and Objectives
CESOC’s mission is to comprehensively observe, understand, and forecast the coupled Earth system under global environmental change. Key objectives include:
- Become a national focus point for Earth system and computational science, connecting geosciences, mathematics, and data science.
- Foster the initiation of third-party-funded research, supporting competitive and collaborative projects.
- Educate the next generation of scientiststhrough joint teaching programs, training, and mentoring.
- Strengthen the integration of ECMWF into the region, enhancing regional and international collaboration.
CESOC achieves this through interdisciplinary research, innovative methods, and strategic partnerships with ECMWF and other national and international institutions.
Our Activities & Events
Within its first years, CESOC has established a range of successful activities, including seminar series, colloquia, and a members’ assembly. To guide its future strategy in research, teaching, and networking, CESOC is advised by a newly formed Scientific Advisory Board (hyperlink to section SAB).