cc: Jason Lowe , Maria Noguer date: Sun, 31 May 2009 18:27:52 +0100 from: "Nicholls R.J." subject: RE: A proposal for QUEST-GSI-2? to: Nigel Arnell , "Tim Wheeler" , Tim Osborn , "Dawson T.P." , Richard Taylor , "pete.smith@abdn.ac.uk" , "rjh@ceh.ac.uk" , "richard.betts@metoffice.gov.uk" , "e.fraser@see.leeds.ac.uk" , "graham.pilling@cefas.co.uk" , "sari. kovats" Following the others, I think that an earlier proposal would be best to maintain momentum and maximise what we can deliver to AR5. Before, proceeding I would recommend talking to NERC - is there any steer there? The disadvantage is time -- I am available for some of June, but only discrete windows. Best Wishes Robert From: Nigel Arnell [mailto:n.w.arnell@reading.ac.uk] Sent: 22 May 2009 15:49 To: Tim Wheeler; Tim Osborn; Dawson T.P.; Nicholls R.J.; Richard Taylor; pete.smith@abdn.ac.uk; rjh@ceh.ac.uk; richard.betts@metoffice.gov.uk; e.fraser@see.leeds.ac.uk; graham.pilling@cefas.co.uk; sari. kovats; n.w.arnell@reading.ac.uk Cc: Jason Lowe; Maria Noguer Subject: A proposal for QUEST-GSI-2? Dear all, I know that we have not finished QUEST-GSI yet, but it is timely to think about "QUEST-GSI-2". The QUEST-GSI framework has given us an excellent opportunity to make a major contribution to IPCC AR5 and the DECC AVOID programme (as it evolves). I am proposing that we submit a proposal to NERC for a new project to build on QUEST-GSI. I have attached a very preliminary outline, summarizing how we would (i) run with new scenarios and (ii) enhance the science (although I haven't yet specified how we might do that - recognizing that "running with new scenarios" will involve some new science too). The key question is whether we seek to make a proposal for the 1 July 2009 NERC deadline or the 1 December 2009 deadline. The main advantages and disadvantages of each are: July (with potential start in April 2010) advantages continuity more time to do the science Disadvantages time to prepare proposal too soon to present results from QUEST-GSI in proposal too soon to bring in new partners December (with potential start in summer 2010 at the earliest) Advantages time to prepare a good proposal Able to include examples from QUEST-GSI Disadvantages risk of break with QUEST-GSI Shorter time to do the work I would greatly appreciate any comments. I have not discussed this with anybody at NERC or in QUEST. Regards Nigel Professor Nigel Arnell Director Walker Institute for Climate System Research University of Reading Earley Gate RG6 6BB UK +44-118-378-7392 www.walker-institute.ac.uk