Collaboration, Colloquium, and Sushi with Visitors from the PVDAP Network
We had the pleasure of welcoming several members of the PVDAP Network (Preconditioning for Variational Data Assimilation Problems) to the University of Potsdam. The network brings together researchers with diverse expertise to address one of the core computational challenges in data assimilation: developing effective preconditioning strategies for large-scale variational problems.
Visiting researchers included:
- Dr. Selime Gürol (C.E.R.F.A.C.S.)
- Prof. Amos Lawless (University of Reading)
- Prof. Alison Ramage (University of Strathclyde)
- Dr. Jennifer Scott (Science & Technology Facilities Council and University of Reading)
- Dr. Jemima Tabeart (University of Eindhoven)
- Dr. Ieva Daužickaitė (C.E.R.F.A.C.S.)
They were joined by Prof. Melina Freitag (University of Potsdam), speaker of the SFB 1294 and a member of the PVDAP Network.
About the Network
The aim of the PVDAP Network is to develop a shared theoretical framework for preconditioners in variational data assimilation (VDA), enabling applications not only in classical fields such as numerical weather prediction, but also in emerging areas like wearable technology and smart cities. The exchange in Potsdam contributed to this long-term vision by fostering collaboration across institutions and subfields.
Research Outcomes and Activities
The visit resulted in the joint submission of a new research preprint, now available on arXiv:
https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.09211
Highlights of the visit included a colloquium with talks on:
- Sparsity: The Key to Tackling Large-Scale Least Squares Problems (Jennifer Scott)
- Numerical Linear Algebra for Data Assimilation (Jemima Tabeart)
The guests also took part in a female network meeting that provided an opportunity for reflection and discussion on career paths, research culture, and collaboration in mathematics and scientific computing.
We thank our guests for an inspiring and productive visit and look forward to future collaborations!