DARC Training course on data assimilation and its interface with machine learning 2026

15-19th June 2026, University of Reading, UK

Join us to explore the theory and practical applications of Data Assimilation, a vital key to analysing and predicting the Earth system and a cornerstone in the exploitation of Machine Learning to tackle environmental challenges.

Within this course, you will learn how Data Assimilation (DA) offers practical methods, underpinned by mathematical theory, to integrate numerical models and large observational datasets. The course will be separated into two stages. The first stage will have an emphasis on applications and the well-informed use of reanalysis products. In the second stage, we will allow more time to explore the mathematics of DA theory and algorithms and dive deeper into the relevant Machine Learning concepts.

Registration

The course fees are £375 for in-person participants. This fee includes refreshments, an icebreaker on the 15th and a dinner on the 19th.

The course fees for online participants are £75.

To register, please fill out this online form  https://registration.venuereading.com/Training Course.

Registration deadline has been extended to midnight (BST) on Sunday 31st May 2026.

Timetable

The course will be held on the main Whiteknights campus of the University of Reading (campus map). Throughout the week, we will be in Room 113 of the Mathematics Building (building 4). Registration on Monday will be in Room 100 of the Mathematics building.  Lunches will not be provided, however there are many cafes and a supermarket on campus.

Handouts will not be provided, but slides can be downloaded via the on-line timetable below when they become available.

Data assimilation relies on mathematical and statistical knowledge (especially linear algebra and probability).  Participants are encouraged to read through our maths tutorial/revision notes and bring along any questions about these to the course.  There will be a special maths tutorial especially for this on Tuesday, 16th June at 4.30 pm.

In the timetables below all times are in BST (GMT+1)

For further information please email Dr Alison Fowler, a.m.fowler@reading.ac.uk or Dr Yumeng Chen, yumeng.chen@reading.ac.uk.