The day began with opening presentations by Arnoud Apituley from the KNMI – Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, and Caroline Kohlmann from Delft University of Technology. They walked us through the Ruisdael consortium’s history, from its early foundations and key milestones to the projects underway and ambitious goals for the future. Their talks emphasised the consortium’s role as a network in atmospheric science, bringing together diverse expertise and resources to address the increasingly urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Six key topics were explored in-depth: air quality, radiation, wind, precipitation, clouds, and atmospheric modelling, each central to advancing our understanding of atmospheric processes. Highlights included ammonia (NH₃) studies, with Arseni Doyennel from VU presenting high-resolution measurements of NH₃ exchange between forests and the atmosphere, and Arjan Hensen from TNO discussing findings from mobile units and fixed-site measurements at Loobos, shedding light on ammonia’s role in air quality and its atmospheric removal.
Radiation and its link to cloud properties were also key areas of focus. Chiel van Heerwaarden from WUR shared insights from simulations over Cabauw, demonstrating how 3D radiation interacts with cloud dynamics. Marleen van Soest from TU Delft built on this by incorporating local observations into larger simulations aimed at enhancing solar radiation forecasts. These presentations underscored the Ruisdael network’s critical contributions to climate science, providing detailed data that supports both research and policy.
The extensive Ruisdael network, strategically positioned across the Netherlands, captures detailed measurements of atmospheric dynamics—from cloud formations and rainfall patterns to wind flows and greenhouse gases. This initiative exemplifies a remarkable collaboration, uniting advanced measurement technologies with stakeholders, including universities, research institutes, and government bodies, to deliver a nuanced, high-resolution view of atmospheric processes that supports national and international climate research and policy efforts.
Ruisdael Science Day highlighted the dual impact of the Ruisdael Observatory: advancing scientific understanding while enhancing practical weather predictions. The event provided a vital platform for sharing research results with policymakers and key stakeholders, allowing participants to explore the real-world impact of their work and the possibilities for future collaboration. The day also included valuable networking sessions, creating opportunities for new partnerships that could strengthen research initiatives and further extend Ruisdael’s reach and relevance.
Did you miss Ruisdael Science Day, or would you like a chance to catch up on the highlights? Watch the after-movie below to experience the key moments of the day. Presentations and valuable insights are also available for download on this page. We look forward to continuing to build on this knowledge with our partners, enhancing the forecasting and understanding of our atmosphere.
Presentations during Ruisdael Science Day can be found below.
