This project deals with reducing the uncertainties associated with the knowledge of aerosol microphysical vertical profiles worldwide through the use of new space-borne measurements. This objective links with the goal of the last IPCC 2013 to reduce uncertainties in aerosol direct effects, particularly in the knowing of absorption profiles. The approach we plan to develop is the development and applicability of the Generalized Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties (GRASP) for new space borne systems. GRASP has been already applied successfully to the POLDER/PARASOL system providing column-integrated aerosol microphysics and absorption. However, the new LIDAR space-borne sensors open new possibilities. To that end, we plan to study the details in constraints of the current techniques for the retrieval of aerosol microphysics from multi-wavelength lidar alone (known as the 3b+2a configuration), and will make evaluation studies versus in-situ instruments from large field campaigns such as DISCOVER-AQ and SEACR4S from NASA or SHADOW from the University of Lille. However, lidar measurements are difficult and usually presents low signal-to-noise ratio, particularly during daytime. We plan here to develop a joint inversion that uses combine measurements of lidar and polarimetric space-borne systems. Such approach is the core of the upcoming Aerosol-Clouds-Ecosystems (ACE) NASA mission. The development of this task will involve the use of synthetic database simulated using the NASA GEOS-5 model which will be used as reference. Different configurations of lidar and polarimeters will be studied to invert microphysical parameters. The results of this task will be also used for defining cost-effective ACE mission. Also, joint inversion will be evaluated using experimental measurements on NASA field campaigns that include airborne lidar systems such as HSRL-2 and Airborne Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (ACATS) and polarimeters such as the Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric

The GRASP-SYNERGY proposal is to make an international and inter-sectorial network of organizations working together including scientists and engineers of different background and expertise. The focus is on atmospheric sciences, particularly in addressing the challenges about developing standard techniques that permit atmospheric and surface characterization from different techniques and measurements. The main objective is further develop of the Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties (GRASP) algorithm for joint inversions of different remote sensing instrumentation that permit advanced synergistic retrievals of atmosphere and surface properties. To fulfil this breakthrough objective GRASP-SYNERGY will address (i) Advanced aerosol parameterizations (modelling) from new developments in multiwavelength polarized polar nephelometry, (ii)New deployments and optimizations in GRASP forward and inversion approaches for advanced retrievals (iii)Synergies of different space instruments to improve spectral, spatial and temporal coverage as well as information content from multi-angular polarimetry and (iv)Synergies of ground-based and space measurements for advanced retrievals and for satellite validations. These objectives try to address challenge that the measurements from single space-borne instrument is always be limited in one or another way. This seriously limits the possibility of advanced atmospheric and surface characterizations from space measurements. In this regard, the synergy of different instrument allows essentially improve information content of measurements and bring the retrieval of atmosphere and surface properties to qualitatively new level. To face all these challenges GRASP-SYNERGY consists of an ambitious consortium, and to favor all these interactions we propose a set of secondments, workshops and training activities that will also foster a shared culture of research and innovation.

ACME (the Astrophysics Centre for Multi-messenger studies in Europe) addresses the EC Call to provide wider, simplified, and more efficient access to the best research infrastructures (RI) available to researchers in the astronomy and astroparticle physics communities. ACME is set up to realize an ambitious coordinated European-wide optimization of the accessibility and cohesion between multiple leading RI, offering access to instruments, data and expertise, focused on the new science of multi-messenger astrophysics. ACME will forge a basis for strengthened long-term collaboration between these RI irrespective of location. Collaboration and user training will be specifically aimed at levelling up access opportunities across Europe and beyond. ACME objectives are: - implement the European roadmaps’ recommendations and act as a pathfinder to broaden, improve and align access to the respective RI services and data, and assess and evaluate new models for better coordination and provision of at-scale services - provide harmonized and inclusive trans-national and virtual access to world-class RI - develop centres of expertise providing expert support to enable easier access for more researchers - improve science data products management to facilitate both focused research goals and serendipitous discoveries, implementing FAIR approaches to broaden access - improve interoperable systems for rapid identification of astrophysical candidate events, and alert distribution to the network of RI and scientific consortia to optimize follow-up observations - provide training for a new and broader generation of scientists and engineers - open the astrophysics and astroparticle physics data sets to other disciplines, such as environmental studies or marine biology for the undersea neutrino facilities and increase citizen engagement in scientific research