The MC³ 4 Earth Center is dedicated to redefining the frontiers in modeling, analyzing, and predicting the complex dynamics of Earth's land surfaces and their interactions within the broader climate system. We emphasize the integration of process-based models, where applicable, with the transformative potential of AI to extract insights from advanced Earth observations.
Our commitment extends to training the next generation of Earth scientists, equipping them with training state-of-the-art computing and AI skills, coupled with comprehensive knowledge of land surface processes, for them to become leaders and innovators in this critical field.
Background
Our research center spans two continents and will capitalize on the opportunities brought by new data, new computational capabilities, and advances in theory.
We pursue a hybrid approach that combines massive, AI-enabled harnessing of data with mechanistic modeling, to achieve advances in analyzing, modeling and predicting Earth’s land surface and understanding its feedbacks to the Earth system on daily to centennial time-scales.
The complementary expertise of all partner institutions is a worldwide unique research and education program, which will set new standards in Earth system modeling and analysis and in the training of the next generation of scientists.
The center builds on unique and complementary scientific knowledge of the involved research institutions and associated scientists, bringing together world-class expertise in Earth system science, data science, and machine learning research, with a common passion to understand the spheres of the Earth as complex and interacting systems.
International Max Planck Centers
Our center is one of 17 Max Planck Centers in 9 countries worldwide (as of 2024). Max Planck Centers are distributed centers for which our scientists partner up with first-class international institutions in order to share knowledge, experience and expertise. They create added value by collaborating on scientific projects, training early career scientist and sharing existing infrastructure.
The centers are a key element to strengthen the international cooperation efforts of the Max Planck Society and enable scientist to gain knowledge in pioneering research areas.
Our center has a dedicated collaboration with the Max Planck ETH Center for Learning systems.