Two Galway researchers awarded €1m for climate and flood forecasting projects
Two Galway researchers at the University of Galway have been awarded almost a €1 million to lead the way in climate change, sustainability, and extreme weather initiatives.
This is part of a broader scheme through Met Éireann Research Call 2024 that awarded €2.8 million to six new university research projects.
There were three research topics applicants could put forward research pitches on: the TRANSLATE program, multi-hazard flood forecasting, and weather radar.
Dr Paul Nolan was awarded nearly €600,000 for the project Translate-3: Underpinning Data.
The TRANSLATE programme is in its third iteration and aims toward “standardising and mainstreaming national climate projections for Ireland across timescales and scenarios and developing climate services to enhance Ireland’s resilience to climate change…” according to the Met Éireann website.
Dr Nolan said: “We are delighted that Met Éireann have chosen a team of climate researchers from ICHEC (Irish Centre for High-End Computing), University of Galway, to deliver their TRANSLATE 1.1 “Underpinning Data” project with the mission to deliver updated standardised climate projections for Ireland.”
Dr Nolan’s work will specifically focus on running climate models on global climate projections from around the world to refine projections for Ireland.
“Through TRANSLATE, we further refine and improve these climate projections for Ireland. These datasets will inform other TRANSLATE projects,” Dr Nolan added.
“In the short term, the project outputs will lead to a substantial advance in our knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by regional climate change. In the medium to long term, the outputs of our project will enable Irish government departments and researchers to take well-informed adaptation, mitigation and planning decisions related to climate change.”
In addition, Dr Indiana Olbert was awarded nearly €400,000 in funding for her Integrated Multi-Model, Multi-Hazard Flood Forecasting.
Dr Olbert explained that the project will “address the impacts of coastal-fluvial flooding in Ireland.”
“The project will directly support the operational work of the Flood Forecasting Centre at Met Éireann, enhancing national capabilities for predicting and managing flood events. Ultimately, it aims to improve preparedness, response, and resilience to flooding across vulnerable regions in Ireland."
Once the framework is established, Dr Olbert and her team foresee the system being “replicated and adapted for use” all around the world.
Galway East TD Seán Canney said: “Galway’s leadership in climate and environmental science is something we can be proud of. This work will not only enhance national climate services but also directly support decision-makers and local authorities in protecting people, homes, and livelihoods from the impacts of climate change.”
This year’s award saw an 80pc increase in applicants who were new to the Weather and Climate Research program.