Hands-on Earth system modelling at the first natESM Summer School

From 13 to 19 September 2026, 23 researchers at different stages of their scientific careers came together in Kiel for the first natESM Summer School, Earth System Modelling in a Changing Climate.

A central part of the week was hands-on work with a coupled ICON-XPP configuration on DKRZ’s Levante supercomputer. ICON is a core component of the natESM system. Supported by the natESM Research Software Engineers, participants compiled and ran ICON themselves while developing their own scientific questions and analyzing a set of 30-year climate simulations in seven project groups. Scientists from the natESM community accompanied the groups throughout this work, providing scientific input and discussing questions, methods, and results with them. Practical sessions also introduced key components and tools of the natESM infrastructure, including YAC, ComIn, Git and experiment configuration and analysis tools.

Combining hands-on HPC experience with scientific project work, the Summer School brought participants together to run and interpret experiments, exchange ideas with mentors and build connections through both professional and social activities.

For more insights into the first natESM Summer School, read the natESM web news:
https://www.nat-esm.de/services/workshops-and-trainings/summer-schools/first-natesm-summer-school

Contact: 
Iris Ehlert 

Further information:
Link to ICON-XPP
Link to YAC
Link to ComIn
Link to natESM system