Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere

CIRA’s Involvement in International Training Activities

CIRA has been involved in international training activities on the usage of satellite imagery in the forecast process since the 1990s. With the launch of new satellites like the GOES I-M series, satellite operators across the globe recognized the need to better promote the usage of satellite imagery in the forecast process both in their own countries and in countries with fewer resources. Initially, many of the activities mirrored what was applied in country: in-person 2-week workshops. With tight funding and a growing internet, virtual activities were evaluated to enhance the workshops. When this showed promising results, formal efforts to support the training activities came out of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) with the establishment of a Virtual Laboratory for Education and Training (VLab) in 2000. One of the initiatives of the group was the establishment of regular monthly virtual Regional Focus Group sessions to continue to engage participants after the workshops. CIRA was a part of this effort starting in 2004 and in March of this year, celebrated 20 years of sessions. We will give an overview of what a Regional Focus Group session is, some of the successes and challenges of the sessions and how they have supported capacity-building activities in the Americas and the Caribbean.