Construction has begun on the new headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Yesterday, senior officials marked the start of construction on the new £93m centre at the University of Reading, which will provide cutting-edge meteorological research and forecasting.

The ECMWF is an independent intergovernmental organization with 35 member and cooperating states. Established in 1975, the centre employs around 500 staff from more than 30 countries at its existing headquarters at Shinfield Park in Reading, UK, and sites in Bologna, Italy, and Bonn, Germany.

As a research institute and 24/7 operational service, the ECMWF produces global numerical weather predictions four times per day and other data for its member/cooperating states and the broader meteorological community.

The new centre at the University of Reading, built by construction firm Mace, is funded by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. When it opens in 2027, it will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff who will relocate from Shinfield Park.

The centre will carry out work on all aspects of weather prediction, forecast production and research into climate change.

“This state-of-the-art facility places the UK at the heart of international efforts that are helping us to make better sense of our weather and climate,” notes UK science minister Patrick Vallance. “By improving our weather predictions we can optimise our energy consumption estimates, adjust transport schedules effectively and give our farmers time to prepare for extreme weather – helping people and businesses to save money, cut energy use and stay safe.”

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