Every five years, NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) conducts comprehensive science reviews of its laboratories and programs. The reviews evaluate the quality, relevance, and performance of each office’s research portfolio. In 2023, the Weather Program Office (WPO) completed its first Program Review, covering the years of 2017–22.
The Review Panel gave WPO an overall rating of “Exceeds Expectations.’‘ Throughout the assessment, reviewers emphasized the exceptional quality of work by WPO. The reason that WPO did not attain an overall rating of Highest Performance is due to the small size of the staff as compared to the enormity of its mission. Of the four activity areas assessed by the reviewers, there was not a single score of “Needs Improvement.” The review covered four activity areas:
Activity Area 1. Organizational Management
Activity Area 2. Weather Research Models, Observations and Forecasting Tools
Activity Area 3. Advancement and Transition of Weather Research
Activity Area 4. Effective Communication and Coordination of Weather Research
The panel concluded all of WPO’s programs were in alignment with NOAA’s mission and the office’s relevance is indisputable. Reflecting on the breadth of WPO’s work, the Review Panel commented: “WPO is a necessary and needed organization, particularly as convergent research comes to the forefront and societal impacts from weather and climate continue to rise.” The office’s work not only saves lives but also substantially enhances the economy as a result of the products produced, technical advancements, and improved communications. By integrating social and physical sciences within a unified framework, WPO produces actionable solutions for society.
WPO is drafting a response to the Review Panel’s comments. The response will share ways that WPO is incorporating feedback received from the review and how it will be address the recommendations.
