Working Groups

WG1 Leaders:
Dr. Davide Dionisi, Dr. Francisco Navas Guzmán

WG1 Co-leaders:
Dr. Martin Wirth, Dr. Daniele Bortoli, Dr. Benedikt Gast, Dr. Donato Summa

WG1 aims to establish a strong cooperation network focused on advancing some of the most innovative techniques in lidar technology:

• High Spectral Resolution Lidars (HSRL)
• Fluorescence Lidars
• Thermodynamic Profiling Systems

Three dedicated subgroups address the optimisation, homogenisation, and standardisation of the available methodologies, algorithms/products, and calibration procedures. The main objectives of WG1 are to:

• Create scientific and technical hubs involving researchers, users, and industry to facilitate knowledge exchange on advanced lidar technologies.
• Conduct a comprehensive survey of existing system configurations, analysis algorithms, software tools, and community needs.
• Establish a database of aerosol fluorescence properties to expand the applications of fluorescence lidar techniques.
• Study the quality of different calibration methodologies and quality checks applied to the instruments involved in the Action. 
• Homogenize the calibration procedures for each lidar type.
• Apply algorithm harmonisation to ensure consistent data processing.
• Converge towards common standards and best-practice guidelines.

WG2 Leaders:
Dr. Rodanthi Mamouri, Dr. Holger Baars

WG2 Co-leaders:
Dr. Gabriela Ciocan, Dr. Alexander Geiss, Dr. Juan Antonio Bravo Aranda, Dr. Michael Sicard

WG2 focuses on improving lidar synergies with other sensors and microphysical retrieval algorithms by establishing a cooperation network. The Working Group builds on existing European network data and field campaign measurements, identifying suitable sites and datasets to address the Action’s scientific objectives.

WG2 advances synergies in the following key areas:

• Microphysical retrieval algorithms
• Lidar–ceilometer (ALC) synergy for improved 4D representativeness of aerosol observations
• Lidar–cloud radar synergy for Aerosol–Cloud Interaction (ACI) studies

 WG2 will:

• Identify existing algorithms, datasets from networks and field campaigns, the most relevant synergies for the community, and explore new synergistic approaches (e.g., combining suborbital and satellite datasets).
• Analyse collected measurements and present the results of improvements in microphysical retrievals, spatiotemporal representativeness, and scientific exploitation with the enhanced datasets.
• Compile an inventory of synergistic methods and inversion algorithms for the identification and characterization of atmospheric properties, define quality-control parameters, and assess the added value in ACI of combining HSRL and fluorescence lidar observations with cloud radar.
• Develop a scalable, synergistic concept applicable across Europe for a wide range of applications, including aerosol climatology and ACI.

WG3 Leader:
Prof. Iwona Stachlewska

WG3 Co-leaders:
Dr. Kalliopi Artemis Voudouri

WG3 establishes a dedicated forum and task force for sustained interaction with industry partners and end users throughout the Action. The Working Group aims to bridge scientific developments with operational needs and real-world applications.

For industry stakeholders, WG3 will communicate information, reports, technological advances, and new technologies related to lidar systems. This interaction will facilitate the transfer of Action results into the lidar technology market, improving data product quality, retrieval accuracy, and cost efficiency.  

For end users, WG3 will promote a broader understanding of the “lidar” concept, atmospheric profiling products, and provide guidelines for their correct and effective use (e.g. satellite calibration/validation, model verification and assimilation, early warning systems, aviation safety, air quality, and climate projections). The interaction between the Action and end users will help identify effective pathways for improving communication and operational protocols, with particular relevance to modelling and satellite end users.

WG3 activities include:

• Identifying and engaging key end-user communities (e.g., satellite, modelling, forecasting, health).
• Establishing collaboration platforms among scientists, instrument manufacturers, and end users.
• Assessing current measurement uncertainties relative to user needs and defining a roadmap for future optimisation of data product quality and cost.
• Defining stakeholder requirements and evaluating the potential of new and synergistic products to enhance applicability (e.g., establish guidelines).
• Developing guidelines tailored to satellite and modelling end-user communities.

WG4 Leader:
Dr. Lucia Mona

WG4 Co-leader:
Dr. Doina Nicolae

WG4 coordinates the dissemination and outreach activities of the Action, ensuring measurement improvements, synergies, and sharing protocols. The Working Group also supports European and international working groups (e.g., ACTRIS National Facility Forum, MIRA working group) on Science and Technology, especially the ones utilizing remote sensing data.

WG4 will:

• Support European and international working groups (e.g., ACTRIS National Facility Forum, MIRA Working Group) on science and technology developments involving remote sensing data.
• Disseminate and communicate Action results and activities to diverse audiences, including the scientific community, industry, end-users, policymakers, and the general public.