MeteoSwiss issues a call for proposals in the framework of Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Switzerland to provide targeted support to projects of national partner institutions that contribute to the implementation of the GCOS Implementation Plan and the GCOS Switzerland Strategy 2017-2026.

GCOS Switzerland encompasses the entirety of systematic climate observation and includes international centers in Switzerland, operated by a wide range of national partner institutions in support of GCOS. Based on the mandate of the Federal Council (BBl, 2002), the Swiss GCOS Office, hosted at MeteoSwiss, coordinates systematic climate observation in Switzerland, in support of its national partner institutions.

Objectives

This call for proposals addresses 2 different pillars and selected subordinate priorities of the GCOS Switzerland Strategy 2017-2026:

• Pillar 1: “Enhance and strengthen the Swiss climate observing system”: Priorities 1.5 & 1.6 “Data analysis and data archives: ensure that standardized observations including traceable and transparent metadata of all ECVs are archived, made freely available to all interested users and supported”: A global climate observing system must address the full data chain, from raw observations to processed observations and to data analysis. In accordance with the requirements defined by GCOS, all elements of the full data chain must be archived in national or/and international archives and must be openly accessible to all interested users. Furthermore, high-quality metadata is necessary to ensure full traceability concerning applied processing methods, data formats used, station history uncertainties a.s.o. This traceability is needed not only for scientists working with data, but also to enable credible communication of the climate data to the public.
• Pillar 2 : “Promote collaboration nationally, regionally and globally”: Priority 2.1 “National collaboration and synthesis: enhance national collaboration leading to an improved synthesis of Swiss GCOS data at national level; make better use of existing infrastructure and identify new partner institutions”: The monitoring of environmental parameters in Switzerland is often carried out at different levels, e.g. national to cantonal to communal. The aim is to improve collaboration at national level to trigger the synthesis of Swiss GCOS data at national level and to better coordinate climate observation efforts between different responsible entities. This in turn improves the use of available resources and avoids duplication of efforts.

Funding Information

For this call for proposals, a total indicative budget of 695’180 CHF is available. It is anticipated that 3-5 projects will be supported through this call.

Eligibility Criteria

The call for proposals is open to individuals affiliated to a Swiss institution in Switzerland. It primarily addresses individuals that can demonstrate extensive experience in climate system monitoring and research in Switzerland. MeteoSwiss promotes equal opportunities in terms of gender, plurilingualism, integration of disabled persons and generations. Proposals can be submitted in a consortium. Each consortium shall designate one principal investigator (PI) and a deputy PI.

Criteria

• Benefit for GCOS, especially with respect to the implementation of the GCOS Implementation Plan;
• Benefit for GCOS Switzerland, especially with respect to the implementation of the GCOS Switzerland Strategy 2017 2026;
• Compliance with call for proposals;
• Cost effectiveness, justification of required funding, significant in-kind contribution;
• Competence and experience of the consortium;
• Study design and organization, clear milestones, feasibility of the proposed timetable;
• Embedding in current national and international activities (e.g. synergies with ongoing projects);
• Risk of failure and risk reduction measures;
• The level of in-kind contribution by the hosting institution.

For more information, visit MeteoSwiss.