How collaborative work between students, researchers and lecturers leads to greater output in science communication and teaching

Among the general public, meteorology is often associated solely with the weather. People are frequently unaware that the field encompasses much more. Changing this perception is no easy task. The resources of individual universities are insufficient for this purpose, which is why UPAS (Universities Partnership of Atmospheric Sciences) was established. The purpose of UPAS is both to consolidate and strengthen meteorology as a degree subject at German universities through more coordinated research and teaching with new cross-university concepts and modules, and to enhance the visibility of meteorology, both at the home universities and in the public eye, as well as to promote it as a challenging and interesting degree subject with a significant impact on society.

This is to be achieved through several objectives:
1. Supporting student networks in meteorology. Several events such as film nights, karaoke or science slams have already been organised, taking place simultaneously at the respective locations and broadcast via online meetings, so that an exchange could take place.

2. Attracting suitable pupils to study meteorology. An interest in research can be sparked as early as at school through experiments on climate or weather, whether through a visit to the university or to the school. Newly developed games and teaching materials free of charge will enhance the understanding of atmospheric processes among students as well as pupils. 

3. Expanding excellent training in meteorology through inter-university teaching and the involvement of relevant employers in the introduction of applied course content.

4. Promoting collaboration and the exchange of resources and staff. When developing teaching materials, field trips or public outreach materials, networking among staff is encouraged to exchange knowledge and experience, thereby identifying and implementing opportunities for new projects and ideas. 

5. Improving public awareness through public relations and citizen science projects. Citizen science projects have already been implemented at a few universities, which have met with great interest from the public, but are associated with increased and limited resources for the unsiversities. Social media and podcasts play an important role in today’s science communication. UPAS produces the podcast ‘Konvergenzzone’ to cover the broad field of meteorology and to present the degree programme, research and future career prospects. In the long term, collaboration with groups already involved in weather-related activities, such as sailors in training, is also to be strengthened, thereby enhancing knowledge of meteorological processes and sparking interest in studying meteorology.

   
Many of these activities require, in particular, human resources that individual sites do not all have at their disposal. Whilst they serve as hubs for local activities, shared goals are achieved more efficiently through networking and collaboration.