Meteorological and Related Research comprises Output 1.2, one of the Bureau's four output groups, and is also one of the Bureau's major outputs. Output 1.2 is delivered through four individual outputs: Weather Research, Climate Research, Ocean Research and Hydrology Research. Performance targets include original publications on Australian and global meteorology, hydrology and oceanography in the peer-reviewed scientific literature along with reviews, project reports, conference presentations, and the general build-up of scientific expertise, reputation and influence in the international scientific community; together with published and unpublished contributions to the development and implementation of new and improved applications of meteorology and new operational meteorological and related systems and techniques. Outputs also include effective Australian participation in international research programs directed towards improved understanding of southern hemisphere and Australian meteorology and oceanography.

OUTPUT PERFORMANCE 2004-05 

Output performance is measured against a number of targets, including quality, quantity and price. The performance against each of these output targets during 2004-05 is provided

Comments on output performance

The number of research groups in BMRC was maintained at six (Model Development, Data Assimilation, Climate Dynamics, Weather Forecasting, Climate Forecasting and Ocean and Marine Forecasting) representing a balance between activities related to weather and climate and atmospheric and oceanic processes, and recognising the significance of data assimilation and model development to core Bureau activities. Cross-cutting forums have been established for research areas that involve broader collaboration. The numbers of externally supported staff within these groups continues to increase, via initiatives such as Australian Greenhouse Office-supported projects, and the joint BLUElink project with CSIRO and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on ocean prediction.

The number of publications increased significantly this year, partly reflecting the clearance of a backlog of internal BMRC research reports. The number of collaborative projects also increased, although the number was slightly below target. This figure varies from yearto-year, as the range of projects extends from major collaborations such as the BLUElink project, to small (but important) projects between individual scientists.

The number of system changes in the Bureau's operational systems associated with BMRC research was higher than the target. This reflects efforts in the development of meteorological techniques to improve a range of forecast products, such as tropical forecasting, severe weather via the Thunderstorm Interactive Forecast System (TIFS), aviation support (Volcanic Ash Warning Preparation System) and forecast guidance utilising the Operational Consensus Forecast (OCF) system.

As a general policy, BMRC is moving to focus its participation in an external expert or advisory capacity to those areas that have direct and tangible benefits for the Bureau of Meteorology and thus limit its overall exposure, as reflected in the slightly reduced numbers on external advisory committees. The standing of BMRC scientists is reflected in the number of invitations to present papers at national and international conferences and workshops. The high level of participation in the fourth assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a tangible indicator of quality.