CleanCloud enters its next chapter
From Athanasios Nenes
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We
are living in a time of growing uncertainty. Unpredictable weather,
extreme rainfall, and heavy snowfall are no longer rare events—and
affect people and ecosystems in profound ways. Within this challenge
lies a striking paradox: as our air becomes cleaner and pollution
decreases, we are also altering cloud formation in ways that can
intensify extreme weather.
This is why CleanCloud ACI matters more than ever. It sits at the heart of one of the most complex & least understood parts of our climate system, driven by a shared mission to uncover knowledge that truly makes a difference.
The 2026 CleanCloud Assembly at Goethe University Frankfurt was more than just a meeting—it was a moment to reconnect, reflect, and re-energize. Bringing together Cluster Leaders and teams from across disciplines, we revisited our scientific priorities, challenged our thinking, and aligned on the path ahead. The energy in the room was inspiring—thoughtful discussions, bold ideas, and a collective commitment to impactful science for Europe and beyond.
After another year of dedication and hard work across all clusters, we are now entering a pivotal phase. We are beginning to bring everything together—integrating data, refining models, and launching simulations that explore extreme events and climate sensitivity. This is where years of effort start to converge into something greater, something that can meaningfully contribute to the next IPCC assessment and help shape our understanding of the future.
One of the most inspiring highlights was the Early Career Researchers’ event. Their passion, creativity, and drive were unmistakable. They are not only the heart of this consortium—they are the future of our field. Watching them grow, collaborate, and lead is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
This is why CleanCloud ACI matters more than ever. It sits at the heart of one of the most complex & least understood parts of our climate system, driven by a shared mission to uncover knowledge that truly makes a difference.
The 2026 CleanCloud Assembly at Goethe University Frankfurt was more than just a meeting—it was a moment to reconnect, reflect, and re-energize. Bringing together Cluster Leaders and teams from across disciplines, we revisited our scientific priorities, challenged our thinking, and aligned on the path ahead. The energy in the room was inspiring—thoughtful discussions, bold ideas, and a collective commitment to impactful science for Europe and beyond.
After another year of dedication and hard work across all clusters, we are now entering a pivotal phase. We are beginning to bring everything together—integrating data, refining models, and launching simulations that explore extreme events and climate sensitivity. This is where years of effort start to converge into something greater, something that can meaningfully contribute to the next IPCC assessment and help shape our understanding of the future.
One of the most inspiring highlights was the Early Career Researchers’ event. Their passion, creativity, and drive were unmistakable. They are not only the heart of this consortium—they are the future of our field. Watching them grow, collaborate, and lead is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Our scientific coordinator, Athanasios Nenes, adds a personal note: "being able to coordinate this extraordinary project alongside Ulas Im,
and with the support of such dedicated cluster and work package leads,
is both a privilege and a constant source of motivation. It reinforces a
simple truth: the best science is built together—through diversity,
collaboration, and shared purpose."
A special thank you to Anna Possner and her team at Goethe University Frankfurt for hosting and leading such a meaningful and energizing assembly.
A special thank you to Anna Possner and her team at Goethe University Frankfurt for hosting and leading such a meaningful and energizing assembly.
The journey continues—and the most exciting part is still ahead!
Media, filming: H.Bang, H.Jia, A.Nenes, Montage: A.Nenes, N. Diamantopoulos
Music: J.Brahms: Trio in A minor, Op. 114 for Clarinet, Cello and Piano (III. Andantino grazioso) (cello: T.Murphy, D.Giammar, clarient: A.Dunn, piano: A.Nenes).
Acknowledgments: Funding was provided by the European Union’s Horizon Europe project
“CleanCloud” (Grant agreement No. 101137639).
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