Conference: Special trimester on Mathematical Developments in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

This award supports participation by U.S.-based researchers in the special trimester program Mathematical Developments in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics at the Institut Henri Poincaré in Paris, France, from April 13 to June 10, 2026. Geophysical fluid dynamics underpins weather forecasting, ocean circulation, and natural hazard preparedness. By convening mathematicians, physicists, and geoscientists from universities and research institutions, the program will accelerate the exchange of ideas, strengthen the scientific workforce through training opportunities for students and early-career researchers, and broaden participation in this scientifically important field. The activities will be open to anyone interested in the program themes. NSF support will provide travel assistance for U.S. participants and enable broad dissemination of educational materials, increasing access and impact for the U.S. research community.

The program will advance the analysis and modeling of rotating and stratified flows governed by nonlinear partial differential equations, with thematic emphases on vortices and vorticity dynamics, waves and instabilities in geophysical flows, and geophysical turbulence. Goals include fostering collaboration between applied scientists and experts in mathematical analysis; improving theoretical understanding of stability, instability, and singularity formation; connecting rigorous analysis with computation and observations; and identifying priority directions for future research. Activities will include an introductory school at Centre International de Rencontres Mathématiques, three week-long workshops at IHP, weekly seminars, round-table discussions, and collaborative working groups. Expected outcomes include accessible lecture notes, curated problem lists, and publicly available seminar recordings. Event information is available at https://indico.math.cnrs.fr/e/GeoMaths2026.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Award Number: 2545649
Principal Investigator: Alexis Vasseur
Funds Obligated: $24,500
State: TX