Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society

Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
Name	Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
Abbreviation	CMOS
Formation	1967
Type	Learned society
Headquarters	Ottawa, Ontario
Region served	Canada
Language	English and French
Leader title	President

Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society is a Canadian learned society representing professionals and researchers in meteorology, oceanography, atmospheric science, and hydrography. Founded in the late 20th century, it connects members across federal agencies such as Environment and Climate Change Canada, academic institutions like the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, and industrial partners including Canadian Space Agency contractors. The society advances the study and application of weather, climate, and ocean sciences in collaboration with bodies such as the World Meteorological Organization and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

History

The society was founded in 1967 amid a period of institutional growth following initiatives by researchers affiliated with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Meteorological Service of Canada, and universities such as McGill University, University of Alberta, and Dalhousie University. Early milestones included symposia featuring figures from National Research Council (Canada), exchanges with the American Meteorological Society, and participation in multinational projects like the International Geophysical Year. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s CMOS engaged in cooperative programs with Parks Canada scientists, collaborated on studies with Pacific Salmon Commission, and contributed expertise to national efforts after events similar to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. In subsequent decades the society interacted with agencies such as Natural Resources Canada and academic centers including Université de Montréal, expanding into interdisciplinary work with institutions like the Terry Fox Research Institute and international partners in United Kingdom, France, and Japan.

Mission and Objectives

The society's mission emphasizes promotion of atmospheric and oceanic sciences through support for research at universities like Queen's University, Simon Fraser University, and University of Ottawa; professional development for members employed by Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard; and public outreach in collaboration with museums such as the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Objectives include fostering collaboration with global organizations like the International Oceanographic Commission, contributing to assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and advising federal bodies including Privy Council Office on science policy. CMOS advocates for integration of research from centers such as the ArcticNet network and programs like Canadian Climate Change Scenarios Network.

Membership and Governance

Membership comprises researchers, forecasters, technicians, and students from institutions including University of Victoria, Laval University, York University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the Royal Military College of Canada. Governance rests with an elected council drawn from provinces and territories represented by members from agencies like Canadian Hydrographic Service and companies such as BlackBerry Limited (research divisions), with officers serving terms akin to governance models at the Royal Society of Canada. Committees address ethics, finance, publications, and awards, and liaise with provincial societies such as the Alberta Science Network and international affiliates including the European Geosciences Union.

Programs and Activities

CMOS organizes annual congresses, thematic conferences, and workshops in locations from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Vancouver, British Columbia and partners with organizations such as Polar Knowledge Canada on Arctic research. Programs include student bursaries tied to universities like University of Waterloo, mentoring schemes connected to professional bodies such as Engineers Canada, and continuing education courses co-delivered with institutes like the Canadian Light Source. CMOS supports research networks comparable to Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded initiatives, sponsors field campaigns in collaboration with vessels managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and engages in operational forecasting dialogues with Nav Canada and provincial emergency management offices.

Publications and Communications

The society publishes a peer-reviewed journal and newsletters distributed to members at institutions like Concordia University and Brock University, and collaborates with presses such as the University of Toronto Press. It disseminates technical reports, position statements, and conference proceedings referenced by bodies like the Royal Society and the United Nations Environment Programme. CMOS maintains online resources including job boards, event listings, and educational materials used by educators in school boards such as the Toronto District School Board, and communicates via social channels aligned with partners like the Canadian Science Policy Centre.

Awards and Recognition

CMOS administers awards and medals recognizing achievements comparable to honors from Canadian Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society, celebrating lifetime contributions, early-career excellence, and student achievement at institutions such as McMaster University and Ryerson University. Awardees have included researchers affiliated with the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis, recipients of national honors such as the Order of Canada, and contributors to major assessment reports like those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Partnerships and Outreach

The society engages in partnerships with federal agencies including Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Transport Canada, academic consortia like ArcticNet and the Canadian Space Agency research community, as well as international entities such as the World Meteorological Organization and the International Oceanographic Commission. Outreach activities target stakeholders ranging from municipal planners in City of Montreal to Indigenous organizations such as Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and community groups in regions like Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Educational outreach includes collaborations with museums, schools, and summer programs affiliated with institutions like Science North and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

Category:Scientific societies of Canada