In partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), they established the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) as a federally funded research and development center.

Since its inception NCAR has been managed by UCAR, on behalf of NSF, to address pressing scientific and societal needs involving the atmosphere and its interactions with the oceans, land, and Sun—what is now called Earth system science.

For almost 50 years, UCAR’s stewardship has enabled NCAR to

• provide advanced facilities to universities,
• make transformative contributions to understanding weather and climate,
• lead the application of basic knowledge for the benefit of society,
• develop some of the world’s leading scientists, and
• engage students of all ages in science, engineering, and mathematics.

UCAR’s role in supporting and complementing the work of academia has grown to include new research, service, and education activities through its UCAR Community Programs (UCP) and Office of Education and Outreach (EO). (Until May 2009, UCP was known as the UCAR Office of Programs).

UCAR now comprises 73 member universities granting doctoral degrees in the atmospheric and related sciences and a complementary group of academic and international affiliates.

Collectively, they strengthen and promote professional interactions, collaborations, and collegiality in the broader community. This partnership is unique in science and engineering and has produced some of the best research and technology in the world over the past half century.

Learn More

UCAR at 25 (1960–1985)

UCAR at 40 - Highlights 2000 (1985–2000)

It Happened Here (Staff Notes series)

The Archaeologist of HAO (Staff Notes)

A Staff Notes Monthly family album (historic photos)

Across UCAR & NCAR

About NCAR (click on "NCAR History")

History of UCAR Community Programs (formerly UOP)

UCAR & NCAR Archives (About the Collections)

History of the High Altitude Observatory