The research programme addresses the role played by the atmosphere in the climate system as well as processes that have a decisive influence on climate changes, natural disasters, air quality and, hence, quality of life on Earth. In connection with this, we are studying the stratosphere, troposphere and biosphere and their complex interactions in the global change.

Research priorities include investigations of the water cycle and the biochemical cycles of environmentally relevant trace gases and aerosols. Data from long-term aircraft and satellite measurements, ground-based stations, major simulation chambers such as AIDA, and SAPHIR, and numerical modelling (transport, climate models, etc.) form the basis for these analyses.

The numerical models are constantly advanced in order to quantify the ecological and socio-economic consequences resulting from the climate changes and acquire knowledge necessary to guide future actions as a protection against various forms of detrimental changes. Particular emphasis is on the regional scale. The new research aircraft HALO will contribute significantly to the success of the programme. It will commence its first missions with research for this research programme.