The National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies (NICES) program, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space, has announced an initiative to enlist Indian researchers in the fight against climate change. Established in 2012 under the ambit of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, NICES aims to tackle the pressing challenge of monitoring climate variability and climate change using data from space.
At its core, NICES generates climate and environmental data archives, particularly from Indian Earth Observation (EO) missions. This data is made accessible to various stakeholders including ministries, academia, and research institutions across India. Since its inception, NICES has produced over 70 geophysical variables relating to terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric conditions, essential for understanding Earth's climate dynamics.
One of NICES' key objectives is to disseminate long-term Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) derived from EO satellites, critical for characterizing Earth’s climate. These data sets have been instrumental in documenting climate change and its impacts, serving as vital resources for researchers and policymakers alike.
Now, NICES seeks to expand its reach by encouraging greater involvement from academia and research institutions through multidisciplinary scientific investigations. The program invites project proposals from individuals or groups affiliated with Indian government organizations, recognized institutions, universities, and departments. Projects selected for funding are expected to be completed within a three-year timeframe from the date of sanction.
Prospective areas for project submission include Space-based ECVs and Climate Indicators, Climate Change Challenges, Weather Extremes, and Climate Services, among others. The Announcement of Opportunities provides detailed information on the NICES program, guidelines for proposal preparation, and the submission schedule.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals by April 30, 2024. The NICES web portal offers comprehensive information on available geophysical datasets and instrument facilities that can be leveraged for research purposes.
By harnessing the power of space-based data and fostering collaborative research efforts, NICES aims to advance our understanding of climate dynamics and inform evidence-based policy interventions. For more information please visit https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/NICES_Announcement_for_Prospective_proposals.pdf
