Changes in the International CLIVAR Project Office (ICPO)

Submitted by Jing Li on Thu, 2023-04-06 09:57

After being hosted by the First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China for almost nine years, the International CLIVAR Project Office (ICPO) is now shifted to the Ocean University of China (OUC), which is also located in Qingdao, China. 

The ICPO will continue its strong support to ensure CLIVAR’s mission to understand the dynamics, the interaction, and the predictability of the climate system with emphasis on ocean-atmosphere interactions. The office now is in transition, with Jose Santos, Liping Yin and Qian Zhao leaving on 31 March 2023, and Jing Li remaining at the ICPO acting as the Interim Director during the transition period. All four positions in ICPO will soon be open for application. We sincerely welcome you to join the ICPO family!
 
Introduction to Ocean University of China

The Ocean University of China (OUC), located in Qingdao, China, with strengths in oceanography and fisheries, is very well suited to host the ICPO. OUC has a mission to explore, develop and protect our oceans, supported by a foundation in a wide range of subjects across the sciences, arts and humanities. In addition to its extensive research and teaching programs, it enhances the harmonious coexistence between human beings and the ocean and supports sustainable development through investing in international cooperation.

Handover Ceremony

A handover ceremony was organized on 27 March 2023 at FIO, Qingdao China, with the participation of leadership and scientists in FIO, representatives from Ocean University of China, and staff from WCRP Secretariat and ICPO. Dr. Jose Santos, Executive Director of ICPO, highlighted the dedication and excellent performance of the ICPO staff, the high-standard support of FIO and active participation of Chinese scientists in CLIVAR; the high-visibility CLIVAR events organized in Qingdao with the support of FIO and other CLIVAR Chinese partners, etc. Dr Mike Sparrow, Head of World Climate Research Division, Science and Innovation Department of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) & Head WCRP Secretariat, emphasized the important role of ICPO and appreciated the great support provided by FIO which was beyond the expectation of WCRP. Dr Fangli Qiao, Deputy Director of FIO, welcomed the participants attending this handover ceremony, appreciated the dedication and hardworking of ICPO staff, and the continuous support of WCRP and CLIVAR. He also emphasized the long history of cooperation and resource sharing between the FIO and OUC on ocean and climate research, and expressed his delightfulness of seeing that this important international project office will remain in China. By highlighting the UN Decade Collaborative Center (DCC) and Ocean Climate Seamless Forecasting system (OSF) Programme being implemented by FIO, Fangli expressed strong interest of FIO to explore further opportunities for collaboration under the framework of UN Ocean Decade. Dr Xiaopei Lin on behalf of Ocean University of China, thanked FIO for preparing the ceremony, mentioned that OUC is getting ready to fully take the responsibility of supporting the ICPO, and is looking forward to a fruitful cooperation with WCRP. The ceremony was moderated by Dr. Li Li, Director of International Division of FIO.
 
 
Remark from ICPO Remark from WCRP
Remark from FIO Remark from OUC
Exchange gifts Handover hard disk

Taking this opportunity, we wish Jose, Liping and Qian a good success in their new career paths.