A National Cross-Institutional Graduate Program in Climate Science

Prior to the establishment of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science (ARCCSS), climate research in Australia was lacking capacity and many students undertaking graduate studies in the discipline were lacking a breadth of knowledge and technical skills to fully reach their potential. Within ARCCSS an academic appointment was made dedicated to the development and implementation of a higher degree research program. Our Graduate Director has established a national cross-institutional climate science graduate program. Students are enrolled in one of the five ARCCSS universities, with many students jointly-supervised across institutions, including national and international partner organisations. The curriculum can be tailored to individual student needs, involves a blended learning and teaching approach, and includes recorded lectures, online resources and remotely delivered seminars, annual climate science winter schools, scientific paper writing workshops, technical training courses, professional development opportunities, and mentorship. Student numbers have more than doubled since the implementation of the program, with students coming from more than 27 countries. Demonstrable success of the program includes students who are completing their degrees well within candidature, with publications in top journals and moving on to positions in top institutions around the world. This presentation will provide an overview of and insights into the establishment of the program.