Chennai: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) to establish ‘VAYYU’—the Virtual Research Centre on Aerosol–Meteorology Interactions, Himalayan Atmosphere-Cryosphere interactions, and Urban Air.
The centre will use advanced simulations and cutting-edge observations to study how aerosols affect regional hydro-climate, Himalayan snow and glacier melt, and air quality in Indian megacities.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. Shanti Pawan, Prof. Manu Santhanam, Prof. Chandan Sarangi and FMI leaders, including Prof. Petteri Taalas, Prof. Hannele Korhonen and Dr. Rakesh K. Hooda.
Building on Existing Research
VAYYU builds on two major initiatives linking IIT Madras and FMI.
The first is the CryoSCOPE project, funded by the European Union, SERI (Switzerland) and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, with an investment of about €10 million. It operates a supersite in Kargil to study atmosphere–cryosphere–
The second is the CO-ENHANCIN project funded by the Research Council of Finland, which helped establish IIT Madras’ urban observatory in Chennai. Located at the satellite campus, the facility monitors aerosol chemistry, boundary-layer processes and aerosol–cloud–rain interactions to support air-quality assessment and climate-resilience planning.
Strengthening Bilateral Science Diplomacy
Hemant H. Kotalwar, Ambassador of India to Finland, said, “The India-Finland collaboration through VAYYU marks a significant milestone in bilateral science diplomacy, bridging IIT Madras’ modelling prowess with FMI’s climate expertise to tackle aerosol-driven risks to our monsoons and urban health. This virtual centre will empower Indian researchers with cutting-edge tools for predictive hydro-meteorology and air quality management, strengthening our shared vision for sustainable development.”
Kimmo Lahdevirta, Ambassador of Finland to India, said, “This partnership exemplifies Finland’s commitment to collaborative climate science, leveraging FMI’s world-class expertise in aerosol dynamics and weather prediction to address pressing challenges in South Asia. VAYYU will foster innovation in modelling aerosol impacts on monsoons and air quality, paving the way for joint policies that enhance regional resilience.”
The partnership will also promote student exchanges, winter schools, internships and joint research proposals aligned with India’s priorities in weather forecasting and air quality prediction.
