15th Annual ARM Science Team Meeting Begins with a Roar

Talk about a change of scenery. Scientists replaced Harley riders as the 15th Annual ARM Science Team Meeting began March 14-18, 2005, in Daytona Beach, Florida, just as thousands of motorcycles involved in Daytona’s 64th Annual “Bike Week” roared out of town. Almost 300 participants from 10 countries came together for this once-a-year opportunity to discuss their findings with program counterparts and plan for upcoming atmospheric research and field campaigns. In addition to formal presentations by invited speakers and breakout sessions covering specific research areas, more than 221 posters were on site for scientists to review and discuss results emerging from cloud and radiation measurement and modeling research.

At the Monday evening reception of the 2005 ARM Science Team Meeting, Dr. Ferrell presented Dr. Ackerman with a plaque—signed by Dr. Raymond L. Orbach, Director of DOE's Office of Science—recognizing his years of service as Chief Scientist of the ARM Program. Dr. Ackerman steps down from this role at the end of 2005. ARM file photo. — At the Monday evening reception of the 2005 ARM Science Team Meeting, Dr. Ferrell presented Dr. Ackerman with a plaque—signed by Dr. Raymond L. Orbach, Director of DOE’s Office of Science—recognizing his years of service as Chief Scientist of the ARM Program. Dr. Ackerman steps down from this role at the end of 2005. ARM file photo.

Dr. Wanda Ferrell, ARM Program Manager, opened the plenary session on March 15 with statements regarding the Program’s accomplishments since the 2004 Science Team Meeting. In addition to recognizing the completion of the ARM Mobile Facility, Dr. Ferrell also highlighted a successful infrastructure review and the award of funding to nine new principal investigators. She then delivered the welcome news of a proposed increase to the ARM science budget in 2006-the first increase in 10 years.

“An increase in the science budget request is a reflection of the positive view that the Office of Science and the Office of Management and Budget have for the ARM Program,” said Dr. Ferrell.

Following Dr. Ferrell’s address, Dr. Tom Ackerman reviewed the “state of ARM” by reviewing his first presentation as Chief Scientist six years ago. Notable advances made during his tenure include the establishment of an ARM site in the Tropical Western Pacific locale; testing of ARM parameterizations in climate and weather prediction models; development of stronger connections with the international atmospheric community; and publication of a new Science Plan to guide ARM into the next five years.