TECO-2024
WMO Technical Conference on Meteorological and Environmental Instruments and Methods of Observation (TECO-2024) was held in Vienna, Austria, at Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center from 23 to 26 September 2024 with the theme: “Measurements and new technologies for WMO priority initiatives.”
During the 4-day conference composed of oral presentation sessions, poster presentation sessions and panel discussions, 152 technical and scientific papers (56 oral presentations and 96 poster presentations) on new measurement technologies and innovative integrated approaches, environmental sustainability of observing systems, inter-comparisons, traceability, quality assurance and capacity development were presented by the measurements experts, scientists, researchers, and representatives of the industry.
TECO-2024 provided a unique opportunity to all participants (more than 250 in-person, and about 150 online) from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, public and private agencies, manufacturers, research institutions and academia, regional and international organizations to discuss measurement related issues.
Specific discussion sessions were organized on the themes of trends and innovations in measurement technologies, capacity development and challenges in maintaining measurement networks, and evolving measurement requirements for WMO priorities (EW4All, G3W, GBON, RBON and WIGOS Vision).
A number of new observing technologies were presented, especially in the area of upper-air measurements. Presentations, as well as the response of the audience to specific presentations, showed that the community is becoming increasingly sensitive to the matter of environmental sustainability.
Innovative approaches for alternative methods for making the observations in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner were demonstrated with great interest of the participants.
It was also a great opportunity for the participants, to interact with the industry by visiting the Meteorological Technology World Expo as TECO-2024 took place in conjunction with this event.
It was observed with great satisfaction that there was a significant increase in the number of young scientists and female experts attending the conference.
All participants expressed that they are looking forward to the next TECO, which is expected to be held in 2 years.
The TECO-2024 Recordings are available here.
The presentations and conference proceedings will be published on the conference website very soon.
OCP Workshop on GBON and SOFF
A WMO Open Consultative Platform (OCP) Workshop on the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) was organized as a side event on 24 September 2024, co-organized by Geosphere Austria, the WMO Secretariat, the SOFF Secretariat and the HydroMeteorological and Environmental Industry Association (HMEI).
The leaders from the public and private sector came together and discussed the role of the private sector and industry in SOFF implementation and opportunities to create incentives and viable public-private business models that would ultimately benefit WMO member countries.
The workshop promoted improving better understanding of GBON and SOFF among relevant communities, involvement of HMEI in GBON implementation by ensuring effective engagement in SOFF activities, and exploring possible engagement and contribution of the industry to the implementation of WMO priorities, in particular to EW4All.