The International Pacific Research Center (IPRC) is a world-class research institution established to advance our understanding of the Earth’s climate system and its interactions with the oceans, atmosphere, land, ice, and life. The IPRC is part of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), one of the largest oceanographic and atmospheric research centers in the United States.
Since its inception in 1997, the IPRC has been at the forefront of international research on climate variability and change in the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, we have made significant contributions to our understanding of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dynamics and predictability; global teleconnections that impact weather patterns around the world; air-sea interaction processes that affect tropical cyclone formation; sea level rise in Hawaiʻi and other coastal regions; coral reef bleaching; ocean acidification; carbon cycle feedbacks to climate change; cloudiness and precipitation changes in a warming climate; regional impacts of anthropogenic aerosptions such as fishing and aquaculture.
To achieve these goals, we maintain an active field program that includes year-round observational platforms in both hemispheres (e.g., moorings, drifters, gliders, radar), as well as process studies using shipboard instrumentation (e.g., underway measurements, targeted cruises). We also operate a state-of-the art numerical modeling facility that houses some of the most advanced supercomputers dedicated to earth science research in Hawaiʻi. These assets allow us to carry out comprehensive studies from global scales down to specific processes within clouds or marine ecosystems.
In addition to our strong commitment to basic research, we also recognize the need for developing capacity within Pacific island nations so they can address societal challenges related to climate variability and change. To this end, we have established partnerships with numerous universities, government agencies, NGOs/ civil society organizations across the region through which we engage in collaborative research projects as well as provide educational opportunities for students from Pacific island nations who are interested in pursuing careers related to earth science or atmospheric science/meteorology