ELLIS Winter School 2027: AI & ML in Earth System Science

ELLIS Winter School 2027: AI & ML in Earth System Science

March 1-5, 2027 | Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena (Germany).

The ELLIS Winter School on “AI & ML in Earth System Science: Exploring current and future challenges in leveraging AI and ML for improving our understanding and modelling of the Earth system” is a 5-day hands-on program hosted by AI4PEX and ELIAS Horizon Europe projects and the ELLIS Unit Jena, in cooperation with MeDiTwin and EXPECT.

The school offers a combination of theoretical lectures, hands-on training, and real-world applications, bringing together experienced leaders and scientists with early career researchers to explore and discuss the latest advances in AI and ML for solving classic, new and long-standing challenges in Earth System science.

Visit Official Event Website →

Key Pillars

Keynotes by Experts

Keynotes will feature leading scientists and practitioners sharing cutting-edge insights and forward-looking perspectives on Earth system science and machine learning/AI, setting the stage for the school's themes and inspiring participants with new ideas and directions.

Zhijing Jin

University of Toronto

Ethics │ Causality │ Responsible AI

Tapio Schneider

Caltech

Earth System Modeling │ Coupling

Konstantin Klemmer

ETH Zurich

Foundation Models │ Land │ Biosphere

Peter Dueben

ECMWF

Foundation Models │ Coupling

Lectures Introducing Theory and Basics

The lectures will provide foundational knowledge and theoretical underpinnings of specific topics, ensuring participants have a solid understanding of the concepts before diving into hands-on activities. They will cover essential principles and methods in an accessible and engaging manner.

Christian Reimers

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

Land │ Biosphere │ generative AI

Shijie Jiang

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

Climate Extremes │ explainable AI

Programme

Zero2Heros (Guided Hands-on Sessions) Zero2Heros are structured, guided hands-on sessions where participants learn a specific technique or method through practical exercises, with the support of tutors. These sessions aim to rapidly build skills and confidence in applying new tools and approaches to real-world problems.

Challenges (Group Projects) Challenges are collaborative, problem-based activities where participants work in groups to address a real-world or simulated problem. These sessions encourage teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, allowing participants to apply learned concepts to solve complex tasks and develop solutions under guidance from experienced mentors.

Registration

Registration is open until 15. November 2026, 23:00 CET. To register use our online form. Participant number is limited to 100. Notifications of acceptance will be sent no later than by 14. December 2026.

For registration you need the following:

• CV (PDF format, max 2 pages)
• Motivation statement (1200 characters)
• Impact statement (1200 characters)

Event Details

• When: 1.- 5. March 2027 • Location: Friedrich Schiller University Jena - Rosensäle (map) • Format: in-person (hands-on) • Working Language: English • Participant Fees: 400 €

Organising Committee