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The 8th Stratospheric Processes and their Role in Climate (SPARC) Data Assimilation workshop will be held in Brussels, Belgium from June 20-22, 2011. This is the latest in a series of annual workshops that brings together experts on the dynamics and chemistry of the middle atmosphere, and on measurements with data assimilators and users of assimilation products to facilitate progress on the issues with middle atmospheric analyses. Last year's workshop was held at the Met Office (Exeter, England) and the report on the workshop will soon be published in the January 2011 issue of the SPARC newsletter which is available from http://www.atmosp.physics.utoronto.ca/SPARC/newsletters.html.

The aim of the SPARC-DA8 workshop is to motivate and better understand data assimilation through the science of the middle atmosphere. Data assimilation requires a knowledge of measurement and model errors which, in turn, require knowledge of the true underlying system - the middle atmosphere. Therefore, advancement of assimilation techniques requires interaction of assimilators with dynamicists, chemists and users of assimilation products. While contributions from all aspects of middle atmosphere (chemical and dynamical) data assimilation are sought, a few key areas will be highlighted.

Erik Andersson (ECMWF): Observing system needs for global NWP in terms of information content and forecast impact in the tropics
Dick Dee (ECMWF): ERA-Interim data products and plans for future ECMWF reanalyses
Masatomo Fujiwara (Hokkaido U): Wave activity in the TTL and diurnal tides in the chemistry climate models and reanalyses
Craig Long (NCEP) Evaluation of the Stratosphere in the Recent Renanalyses
Florence Rabier (Meteo-France) Concordiasi: A Project Dedicated to the Polar Atmosphere

In this workshop, we hope to: (1) present work on and encourage discussion of upper tropospheric, stratospheric and mesospheric assimilation of chemical and dynamical variables, (2) identify issues that can be addressed by the working group, and (3) review progress and propose new directions for collaborative work.

The workshop will be hosted by the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA) http://www.aeronomie.be/en/contact/whoarewe.htm and the venue will beat the Belgian Scientific Policy (BELSPO, 231 avenue Louise, B-1050). Further details to follow. Registration for the meeting will be through the website above. Depending on funding, a small meeting fee (upto $100 Cdn) may be charged.

Very limited financial support is available and priority will be given to scientists from developing nations or young scientists. Please
contact the organizers for further information as soon as possible.

Organizers:

Saroja Polavarapu	Saroja.Polavarapu@ec.gc.ca
Quentin Errera	quentin@oma.be
David Jackson	david.jackson@metoffice.gov.uk

As in most countries in northwest Europe, the weather in Belgium an be very changeable from day to day at all times of the year, and the character of each season may vary from one year to another. The average maximum temperature in June is 20ºC and the minimum is 11ºC. June can be a very pleasant month a days are longer and warmer.

If you are travelling within the European Union you are advised to check entry requirements with your travel agent or consulate before travelling.

Voltage is 220-volt, 50-cycle alternating current and European 2 pin sockets are used. Those travelling from overseas with electrical appliances will need an adaptor.

Visit Brussels city centre (famous Grand Place, Sablon, Museum Mgritte, etc.). For further information, see the wbsite: http://visitbrussels.be