The Atmospheric Processes and their Role in Climate (APARC) General Assembly 2026 opened on 12 October at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is hosting this quadrennial international conference, which runs until 16 October and brings together over 550 scientists, researchers, policymakers and students from across six continents to discuss advances in atmospheric and climate science.
APARC is a core project of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), a global initiative supported by the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This is the first time India is hosting the General Assembly, marking a significant role for the country in international climate research leadership.
Key facts
- Dates: 12 to 16 October 2026
- Location: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune
- Total participants: over 550, comprising 380 in-person attendees (250 Indian, 130 international) and approximately 180 participating virtually
- Scientific presentations: 67 oral presentations including 9 keynotes, 17 invited talks and 41 contributed talks; over 400 poster presentations
- Student and early-career participation: over 120 students and 150 Early Career Researchers attending
- Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the Chief Guest; Ms Ko Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General of UN WMO, is the Guest of Honour
What APARC focuses on
APARC brings together scientists who study how the atmosphere behaves and influences climate patterns globally. The assembly occurs once every four years and serves as a platform to identify new research gaps, strengthen scientific partnerships between countries, and develop practical solutions to climate challenges that affect society.
The conference explores six main scientific themes: high-resolution climate system modeling; atmospheric composition and its changes; climate forcing effects; tropical weather patterns and extreme events; climate prediction ranging from seasons to decades ahead; and applying climate science to solve real-world problems. A special emphasis this year is on artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in climate modeling, atmospheric chemistry, forecasting extreme weather events, and connecting scientific research to actionable outcomes for communities.
India’s hosting role and significance
India taking the lead in hosting APARC 2026 reflects growing recognition of the country’s contributions to climate and atmospheric research. The opening keynote address by Dr Suryachandra A. Rao, Director of IITM Pune, focused on monsoon modeling and improving prediction accuracy, a topic of particular relevance to South Asia where monsoons drive agriculture and water resources.
International leaders participating include atmospheric scientists from France, Germany, Canada and other nations, along with representatives from the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization. This brings cutting-edge international expertise to India while providing a platform for Indian researchers to engage with global scientific communities.
Focus on early-career scientists
The assembly places strong emphasis on supporting the next generation of climate researchers. Over 120 students and 150 early-career researchers are attending, giving them opportunities to interact directly with established international experts through poster sessions, collaborative forums and networking events. These connections aim to foster new research partnerships and influence the future direction of atmospheric science research globally.
Emerging research priorities
Beyond traditional climate science, the conference highlights emerging frontiers including artificial intelligence and machine learning for climate prediction, improved understanding of atmospheric chemistry in a changing climate, and better forecasting of extreme weather events. A key theme is connecting fundamental scientific understanding with practical applications that benefit society, such as improved weather prediction, climate adaptation strategies and early warning systems for extreme events.
What this means for researchers and policymakers
For Indian scientists, the assembly provides direct access to international peers and opportunities to present research findings on a global platform. For policymakers, the scientific roadmaps and collaborative initiatives developed during the meeting will inform future climate policy and adaptation strategies. For students and early-career researchers, the assembly offers mentorship and networking opportunities that can shape their professional careers in climate science.