UCC Joins Global Aircraft-Based Network Monitoring Earth's Atmosphere

6 Aug 2026

University College Cork (UCC) has joined the In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System (IAGOS) research infrastructure, marking a significant step in strengthening Ireland's contribution to international atmospheric and climate research.

Represented by Professor Andy Ruth, School of Physics, and Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry, UCC will contribute to the CARIBIC (Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the Atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container) programme, a unique global initiative that uses instrumented cargo containers onboard commercial passenger aircraft to collect atmospheric measurements during routine flights around the world.

The collaboration will enable UCC researchers to investigate the nitrogen budget of the upper troposphere, a critical but still poorly understood region of the atmosphere located approximately 10 to 12 kilometres above the Earth's surface. UCC's scientific contribution will focus on the measurement of key atmospheric species including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), nitrogen trioxide (NO₃), dinitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅), and ozone (O₃).

Several of these atmospheric compounds have never been routinely monitored at cruising aircraft altitudes, creating a unique opportunity to generate high-quality data that will improve scientific understanding of atmospheric chemistry and the processes that influence air quality and climate.

Expanding Global Atmospheric Observations

By joining IAGOS, UCC becomes part of an internationally recognised research network that delivers long-term observations of greenhouse gases, aerosols, trace gases and other atmospheric constituents across the globe. Commercial aircraft participating in the programme provide access to regions of the atmosphere that are difficult or impossible to monitor using ground-based observation systems alone.

These observations play a vital role in improving climate models, validating satellite measurements, tracking long-range pollution transport and strengthening our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere.

Bringing Irish Expertise to an International Network

The partnership brings together UCC's expertise in laser-based spectroscopy, trace gas sensing and advanced atmospheric measurement technologies with IAGOS's extensive observational infrastructure.

Participation in the network will provide researchers and students at UCC with access to a world-leading international research platform, opening new opportunities for scientific collaboration, technology development and discovery.

The collaboration will also create important links between laboratory-based research, instrument development and real-world environmental monitoring. Working alongside partners across the IAGOS consortium, UCC researchers will contribute to the development and evaluation of next-generation atmospheric measurement technologies capable of delivering increasingly accurate and comprehensive observations from commercial aircraft.

Addressing Global Environmental Challenges

Beyond its scientific significance, the collaboration will contribute to addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing society today.

Reliable atmospheric observations are essential for understanding climate change, improving air quality forecasts, informing environmental policy and protecting public health. Through its participation in IAGOS and the CARIBIC programme, the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry, part of UCC's Sustainability Institute, is contributing to a global effort to provide the knowledge needed to support evidence-based decision-making and environmental action.

The initiative is supported through funding from Research Ireland's Strategic Partnership Programme (14/SPPI3010) and a Frontiers for the Future Award (21/FFP-A/8973).