2008 events

International Lightning Detection Conference
The 20th International Lightning Detection Conference (ILDC) was held in Tucson, Arizona.  The bi-annual conference drew together record number lightning experts from all over the world to present and discuss lightning detection research and applications development in the field. ILDC provides a forum for presentations and discussions related to research and emerging trends and case studies that contribute to a deeper understanding of lightning detection information, for instance in human safety and facility protection, electric power distribution, and telecommunications performance. Vaisala is the organizer and sponsor of the International Lightning Detection Conference.

Vaisala part of the new strategic centre for energy and environmental expertise
Vaisala is one of the shareholders in CLEEN Ltd, a specialist body for energy and environmental expertise established in September 2008 with the aim of enhancing Finnish competitiveness in these fields. CLEEN’s shareholders include about 40 leading Finnish companies, in addition several universities and research institutions are also involved in the project. The main areas of research at CLEEN include carbon-neutral energy production, sustainable fuels, efficient energy use, resource-efficient production technologies and services, recycling of materials and waste management, and assessment of environmental efficiency. 

Vaisala's scientists awarded
Dr. Walter F. Dabberdt, Vaisala’s Chief Science Officer, served as 2008 President of the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The AMS President serves as Chair of the AMS Council and its Executive Committee, which function as the governing body of the 13,000-member Society. Walt Dabberdt selected Urban Weather and Climate as the theme for the 2009 AMS Annual Meeting held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Walt Dabberdt has studied and published articles on climate, weather, and demographic changes in cities. Urbanization is a strong global trend and new cities are often built on coastal and other lowland areas where they are very vulnerable to extreme weather phenomena.  Read the whole Perfect Storm article.

Walt Dabberdt was also designated a lifetime National Associate by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies for his continued service with the Council. The NRC is a private, nonprofit institution that provides science, technology, and health policy advice.

Ronald L. Holle, a Vaisala Meteorologist, received the T. Theodore Fujita Research Achievement Award from the National Weather Association (NWA). This award is presented to an NWA member whose research has made a significant contribution to operational meteorology. Holle was recognized for his distinguished research in identifying the characteristics and impacts of cloud-to-ground lightning resulting in improved lightning safety rules which have led to a reduction in lightning-related fatalities, injuries, and property damage.