RADO (Romanian Atmospheric Research 3D Observatory) was implemented between 2009 and 2011 with funding from the Norwegian-Romanian Cooperation Programme (Norway Grants). The project aimed to strengthen atmospheric research in Romania, enabling improved observation and understanding of atmospheric and hydrological processes to support informed decision-making in environmental protection. It contributed to the creation of a new research infrastructure capable of integrating scientific, educational, and demonstrative activities, while also serving as an advisory resource for environmental authorities.
The observatory addressed key societal challenges such as climate change, air quality, and ozone layer depletion, providing essential knowledge to assess the potential impacts of atmospheric changes on human health and the economy. RADO brought together multiple partners, including the National Institute for Research and Development in Optoelectronics, the Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Babeş-Bolyai University, “Alexandru-Ioan Cuza” University, Politehnica University of Timișoara, the National Meteorological Administration, the Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, and the University of Bucharest.
RADO successfully established Romania’s first 3D atmospheric observatory, unique in Southeast Europe, dedicated to researching and monitoring atmospheric processes and the components of the lower atmosphere and troposphere. The infrastructure enables the development of new projects and experiments exploring all atmospheric phenomena, including interactions with the land, hydrosphere, and biosphere. In the future, RADO is expected to become a key facility for fundamental research, continuous monitoring, education, and international collaborations, serving as a hub for experiments investigating atmospheric chemistry and dynamics.