European Atmospheric Research Lidar Cooperation of Science and Technology
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Atmospheric aerosols are small particles suspended in the air. Most of them have a short lifetime, typically lasting from a few days to a few weeks—especially near the Earth’s surface.
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Some smaller particles can rise to higher levels of the atmosphere. At these altitudes, they can remain in the air for much longer—even for several years.
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These short-lived atmospheric constituents originate from a variety of natural sources, but also human activities.
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Suspended in the atmosphere at different altitudes, aerosol effects on radiation and clouds play a major role in climate-relevant processes and in socio-economic sectors.
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Nowadays, advanced lidar systems are capable of continuous, unattended operation for regular atmospheric monitoring.
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Although highly effective, lidar systems still face challenges in calibration, data processing, and harmonised interpretation across networks – challenges that EARLICOST aims to address.
EARLICOST brings together the global aerosol lidar community to advance, harmonise, and transfer state-of-the-art atmospheric profiling technologies, improving our understanding of aerosols, clouds, and their impacts on air quality, climate, and society.
EARLICOST is pleased to announce the launch of its Dissemination Conference Grants (DCG) Call for 2026.
The call aims to support EARLICOST Action participants in presenting their work at high-level international conferences, enhancing the visibility of both the individual researchers and the Action within the wider scientific community.
Dissemination Conference Grants are designed to:
support oral presentations at conferences organised by third parties
promote EARLICOST results to relevant stakeholders and end-users
strengthen networking and collaboration within the atmospheric science community
Key Information:
Call opening: April 2026
Deadline: Open until available capacity is filled
Evaluation: Monthly, starting 6 May 2026
Eligible conferences: Must…
EARLICOST COST Action is offering funding opportunities to support networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Available Grants:
Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) Grants – Funded research visits to partner institutions to develop new skills, access unique facilities, and strengthen international collaboration.
Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC) Conference Grants – Support for Young Researchers and Innovators from ITC/NNC countries to attend high-level conferences.
Young Researcher and Innovator (YRI) Conference Grants – Funding to present your work at a high-level conference and expand your professional network.
How to Apply:
Read the funding rules here:
Annotated…
EARLICOST is structured around four complementary Working Groups (WGs) that drive the scientific, technical, and societal impact of the Action. Together, they advance lidar technologies, strengthen data exploitation, engage stakeholders, and ensure effective dissemination of results.
WG1 – Sensing Technology
WG1 focuses on advancing innovative lidar technologies, including High Spectral Resolution Lidars (HSRL), Fluorescence Lidars, and Thermodynamic Profiling Systems. The group works toward the optimisation, harmonisation, and standardisation of methodologies, algorithms, and calibration procedures, while fostering strong collaboration between researchers, users, and industry.
Learn more about WG1: https://earlicost.eu/wg1/
WG2 – Data Treatment and Synergies
WG2 enhances…
EARLICOST is an open and collaborative COST Action that welcomes researchers, innovators, industry representatives, and end users who wish to contribute to advancing atmospheric lidar technologies and atmospheric profiling science. At this early stage of the Action, we encourage interested participants from COST Member Countries and beyond to join the network and actively engage in its activities.
Read the Action Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Before applying, interested participants are encouraged to consult the official Action description (MoU), which outlines the scientific objectives, structure, and implementation framework of EARLICOST:
Action MoU: https://e-services.cost.eu/files/domain_files/CA/Action_CA24135/mou/CA24135-e.pdf
Inform the Action Chair
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EARLICOST – Advancing Atmospheric Lidar Science Across Europe
February 14, 2026
We are pleased to announce the launch of EARLICOST, a new COST Action dedicated to advancing atmospheric lidar technologies and strengthening collaboration across Europe and beyond.
EARLICOST aims to deepen our understanding of atmospheric composition and enhance the capabilities of atmospheric lidars to address critical gaps in aerosol characterization, temperature, and water vapour profiling. The vertical distribution of these key atmospheric variables provides essential insights into air quality, public health, weather systems, and climate processes.
Aerosols, in particular, are among the most significant drivers of climate change and remain one of the largest sources of uncertainty in climate models. Their complex interactions with radiation and clouds, combined with their…
Connect the LiDAR community to advance and harmonize the most innovative features in lidar technology, and create collaborative hubs with industry and end-users to maximize the scientific and societal impact of atmospheric profiling.
Background
LiDAR systems, while highly effective and capable of continuous, unattended operation for regular atmospheric monitoring, face several operational challenges – including standardized calibration techniques, data processing and interpretation – which will be the main focus of EARLICOST.
Work Plan
The work plan is organized into four focused Working Groups and incorporates collaborative activities, workshops, and short-term scientific missions to maximize knowledge exchange and technical progress.
Vision
Establish a transnational, collaborative network bridging researchers, industry, and end-users to advance lidar-based atmospheric profiling through harmonized technology, standardized practices, and innovative multi-sensor synergies, ultimately transforming scattered expertise into a coordinated, high-impact community.
Working Groups
WG1 | Sensing Technology
Advance innovative lidar techniques (HSRL, fluorescence, thermodynamic profiling) and harmonise measurement methodologies, algorithms, and calibration procedures across Europe.
WG2 | Data Treatment and Synergies
Improve lidar data exploitation by enhancing synergies with complementary sensors and advancing microphysical retrieval algorithms for aerosol and cloud studies.
WG3 | Users’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement
Strengthen collaboration with industry and end users to facilitate technology transfer, define user-driven requirements, and maximise the societal and operational impact of lidar observations.
WG4 | Dissemination and Outreach
Coordinate communication, dissemination, and outreach activities, supporting European and international initiatives and ensuring broad visibility and uptake of EARLICOST results.
Advancing atmospheric lidar science to better understand aerosols, air quality, and climate
