A Summary of the Research Operations Nexus (RON) Meetups at NWA and AMS

Since 2015, the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society have hosted interactive “meetups” between research and operational meteorologists at their respective annual meetings. At these Research Operations Nexus (RON) Meetups, groups rotate through a number of stations in speed-mentoring fashion and discuss a variety of topics that could benefit forecast and warning operations. The main objective of the meetups is the forge new relationships between these two groups of meteorologists in order to improve the R2O/O2R transitions.

We have recorded data about all of the new R2O/O2R relationships established or reinforced at each meetup and periodically touch base with them to track their progress and success. In addition, funding institutions are planning to use the data gathered at the meetups to target specific areas of opportunity for technology transfer projects. This presentation will summarize the RON Meetup concept and outcomes.