Observation Based Research (OBR) is a strategic area in Foundation Science that provides underpinning research observations and analysis in support of model development, the use of current and future satellite observations and to deliver selected services directly to external Met Office customers. Work in the group covers a wide range of technical activity from the fundamental design and build of custom instrumentation, leadership of airborne and surface-based field observation campaigns, and fundamental scientific research and analysis.

The group is made up of four research teams focussed broadly in areas of Cloud and Aerosol Research, Radiation Research, Boundary Layer Research and Instrumentation development. Personnel are based both at Exeter HQ and our instrumented boundary layer research site at Cardington, Bedfordshire. The group works closely with teams from across the Science Programme and partners extensively with UK and international collaborators.