CA20108 COST Action: A Methodology for Developing FAIR Micrometeorological Networks

TL;DR

This paper details the FAIRNESS COST Action's efforts to develop a comprehensive methodology, infrastructure, and community standards to enhance the FAIR compliance and usability of micrometeorological data across Europe.

Contribution

It introduces a structured inventory, a digital portal, and methodological guidelines for improving data quality and interoperability in micrometeorological networks.

Findings

Created a European inventory of micrometeorological networks

Developed the FAIR Micrometeorological Portal for data access

Produced a beginner-oriented guide and capacity-building programs

Abstract

This article reports the outcomes of the FAIRNESS COST Action (CA20108), a coordinated European initiative aimed at advancing micrometeorological data toward compliance with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. The article presents three core achievements: (i) a structured inventory of urban and rural micrometeorological networks across Europe; (ii) the design and deployment of the FAIR Micrometeorological Portal, providing a digital infrastructure for data discovery, access, and standardized metadata description; and (iii) methodological guidance for quality control, gap detection, and gap filling tailored to the specific characteristics of micrometeorological time series. By providing both technical infrastructure and community-driven standards, the FAIRNESS outputs advance micrometeorological data from isolated datasets into coherent, reusable resources. Beyond technical developments, the FAIRNESS systematically addressed gaps in knowledge and skills within the micrometeorological community. A key outcome is the beginner-oriented book Micrometeorological Measurements - An Introduction for Beginners, which provides structured guidance on measurement design, instrumentation, data management, and quality assurance. In parallel, FAIRNESS implemented a comprehensive capacity-building programme, including summer schools, workshops, and short-term scientific missions, targeting both domain-specific competencies and transferable skills such as FAIR data stewardship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical problem solving. Together, these efforts contribute to strengthening the long-term usability of micrometeorological data and fostering a more integrated, FAIR-oriented research culture within the European meteorological community.