CliSAP in Retrospect

As of 15 June 2012, it is official: The German Research Foundation (DFG) grants CliSAP comprehensive funding until 2017. Universität Hamburg, the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, HZG), and the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ) can continue their fruitful scientific alliance.

The natural sciences disciplines cooperating within CliSAP seal their commitment to excellence by founding the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) at Universität Hamburg. This innovative research center further solidifies the interdisciplinary efforts fuelled by the Excellence Initiative.

Kickoff for the new two-year master’s program at the School of Integrated Climate System Sciences (SICSS)! One year prior to that, the graduate school of the Cluster of Excellence CliSAP had already established a three-year doctoral program. Doctoral students at the SICSS profit from a comprehensive mentoring approach and a myriad of further qualification options, helping young researchers boost their academic portfolios.

Within the framework of the Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments the German Research Foundation (DFG) rewards Hamburg’s excellent research environment. Hence, Universität Hamburg, the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, HZG), and the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ) launch the Cluster of Excellence "Integrated Climate System Analysis and Prediction" (CliSAP). The Cluster becomes the seedbed for KlimaCampus Hamburg—the local climate research network.

Hamburg’s oceanographic, climate, and Earth system research bases are merging. The University and the Max Planck Society (MPG) get a new building, found the ZMAW, and continue their research under one roof. In 2005, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG) becomes an associated ZMAW member. The partner network is the primary user of the mainframe at the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ) in the immediate vicinity of the ZMAW.

In the 1970s, Universität Hamburg first sets out to eliminate rigid boundaries between its individual disciplines. Meteorology, oceanography, hydrobiology and marine chemistry embark on joint climate research. The sophisticated research union evolves into the MPI-M. Ever since, Hamburg has won worldwide acclaim for its endeavors in basic climate system research.

The Deutsche Seewarte (German marine observatory) is established on Stintfang, a hilltop overlooking Hamburg’s port, in 1875. Meteorology, maritime meteorology, instrument and chronometer checks are its key responsibilities. In November 1883, the city’s significance is further emphasized by the establishment of the German Meteorological Society (DMG)—also located at the marine observatory. Subsequent to the observatory’s destruction in 1945, the Deutsches Hydrographisches Institut (DHI) (German hydrographic institute) takes its place. In 1990, all tasks and responsibilities fall to the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany (BSH). To date, the Seewartenstraße (marine observatory street) atop Hamburg’s Landungsbrücken (landing stages) is a reminder of the origins of meteorology in the city.