On March 19–20, 2026, the HClimRep group gathered in Hamburg for its third annual in-person meeting, hosted by the Hereon group at the International Maritime Museum. Partners from FZJ, AWI, KIT, and Hereon came together to review project progress, align future research directions, and strengthen collaboration across work packages. The meeting provided an important opportunity to assess current developments and define concrete decisions needed to guide the project through its next phase.

The first day focused on scientific and technical progress across core components of HClimRep. Updates covered advances in the stratospheric component led by KIT, progress in sub-seasonal and seasonal predictability by the FZJ group, the status of long-term rollout development presented by Hereon, and developments in the ocean component addressed by AWI members. Discussions also evaluated emerging competitors and clarified where the HClimRep AI–climate modelling approach provides distinctive advantages.

The second day shifted toward downstream applications, ongoing publications, and project infrastructure. These sessions aimed to ensure that technical developments translate efficiently into reproducible workflows and impactful scientific results. The meeting concluded with an open discussion on key challenges, future directions, and long-term ambitions.

The Hamburg meeting marked an important milestone in aligning scientific priorities, publications, and reinforcing collaboration as HClimRep moves toward its 2026-2027 goals.