AERIS (Advancing intErnational aeRosol monItoring and Science in South America) aims to strengthen atmospheric research and monitoring capacities in South America by addressing critical gaps in vertically resolved observations and aerosol characterisation. In a region facing major atmospheric and climate-related challenges, limited infrastructure and data coverage have constrained accurate modelling, forecasting, and policy development. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, AERIS builds an international and cross-sectoral network linking European, North and South American partners, in close collaboration with LALINET.
The project focuses on advancing vertically resolved and near-surface atmospheric measurements, improving quality assurance and calibration procedures, and optimising inversion algorithms for aerosol property retrieval. By enhancing synergies between instruments and integrating high-quality datasets, AERIS improves the characterisation of biogenic and non-biogenic aerosols, with applications in air quality, public health, hydrology, and climate research. It also develops predictive models linking aerosol exposure to health impacts and investigates aerosol–cloud interactions and their influence on the hydrological cycle.
Through training, secondments, and coordinated research activities, AERIS fosters knowledge exchange, innovation, and long-term collaboration. The project contributes to the development of regional early warning capabilities with global relevance, while strengthening South America’s role in international atmospheric observation systems.
The project has been running since 2025 and is scheduled to end in 2029.