Welcome to the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research - Atmospheric Aerosol Research! We are one of the leading research institutes in the field of atmospheric aerosol processes in Germany.
Our team is dedicated to researching the microphysical, chemical and optical properties of aerosols. Through our work, we gain valuable insights into the role of aerosols in the atmosphere and their influence on cloud formation, climate and air quality, thus making a significant contribution to the further development of weather and climate models.
A particular research interest at the institute is the role of aerosols in the formation of ice particles.
For our research, we conduct comprehensive basic research in laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment. We also use large atmospheric simulation chambers to investigate complex atmospheric processes under controlled conditions. In addition, we conduct field experiments to analyze local situations and their specific influences in detail.
AIDA cloud microphysics aerosol ice formation SOA air quality ACTRIS aging composition & morphology radiative effect climate INP ice nucleation COSIMA single droplet VOCs ESEM ice crystals LiDAR atmosphere nano science climate engineering
In autumn 2024 we studied the impact of meteorological conditions on emissions of volatile organic compounds from beech and douglas fir trees at the new ECOSENSE station in the black forest. Emissions from individual leaves and fir needles at different locations in the canopy were measured on-line by mass spectrometry.
The new ACTRIS (Aerosol Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure) General Director Eija Juurola and Senior Officer Niku Kivekäs visited the Topical Centre for Cloud In-Situ Measurements situated at IMK-AAF.
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Recent scientific progress in the field of ultrafine particles (UFP), the smallest constituents of airborne particulate matter, on air quality, climate, and human health were discussed on the 9th EFCA Ultrafine Particles Symposium. This included a dialogue with policymakers on the revision of the European Ambient Air Quality Directive for UFP. The symposium took place on July 3 - 4 in Brussels, Belgium. It is co-organized by KIT, GUS, CEEES, and EFCA and chaired by the head of IMK-AAF, Prof. Thomas Leisner.
The new video series "KIT-That's why" shows in five contributions what is special about KIT and what it means to study at KIT. In the contribution "Sustainability and Climate", the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research also introduces itself and shows the diversity of research-oriented studies at KIT.
The campus tours at KIT Campus North have been revised and have been given a modern booking system. In addition to a general lecture on the main areas of research at KIT and the tour of the campus, scientific and technical facilities can also be visited. The employees themselves now provide insights into the facility and the daily tasks and issues.
AIDA is a bookable tour package and can be visited on Wednesdays between 09:30 and 11:00 am and on Thursdays between 12:30 and 14:00 pm.
The International Excellence Talk by Daniel Cziczo on Nov 29, 2023 entitled
Improving our understanding of Earth’s upper troposphere and lower stratosphere by combining aircraft and laboratory studies
is now available online. In his talk, Daniel Cziczo reviews how aircraft measurements and laboratory studies have been, and will continue to be used to better understand atmospheric chemistry, precipitation and our climate.
to the talk