Rodica NITU

Dynamic leader having successfully enabled the integration of the cryosphere in the Earth system approach to monitoring and prediction of the World Meteorological Organization, through international collaborations and mutually beneficial partnerships between research and operational communities.

• Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) Implementation

The main accomplishment has been the successful implementation of the GCW, the WMO's mechanism for enhancing global monitoring capabilities of cryospheric environments, recognizing the significant differences in capabilities, between regions and even within countries, etc.

• Strategic Prioritization and Governance

A strategic achievement was the work that led to the approval of "Cryosphere" as a strategic priority in the WMO Strategic Plan 2024–2027 and the re-establishment of the Panel of the WMO Executive Council on Polar and High Mountains Observation, Research, and Services (PHORS).

• Antarctic Coordination and Engagement

The successful redefinition of the WMO’s coordinating role concerning its Members’ activities in Antarctica, aimed at the strengthened engagement with the Antarctic Treaty System and the alignment with international agreements and frameworks governing the region.

• Arctic Council Involvement

Active contributions supporting the WMO’s role as an Observer with the Arctic Council.

• Initiating Global and Regional Initiatives

Organized the first WMO High Mountain Summit in 2019 and follow up events, and brokered the implementation of the Third Pole Regional Climate Centre network, fostering collaboration and capacity building in high mountain regions.

• Addressing Data and Observation Gaps

Tackled observation and data gaps in polar and high mountains, in close collaboration with a diverse array of communities such as the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI), the Third Pole Environment (TPE) program, the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON), the Regional Hydroclimate Program for the Andes (ANDEX), the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences (IACS), the Climate and Cryosphere Project (CliC), etc.

• WMO Solid Precipitation Intercomparison Experiment (SPICE)

Successfully led the WMO SPICE, 2010-2018, with the participation of twenty project teams across fifteen countries and of the industry. The results provided valuable data and insights into measurement methods and technologies.

• International Expert Engagement and Innovation

Leveraged international expert engagements, leading to innovative initiatives, e.g. intercomparisons supported by the European Space Agency, fostering the development of advanced methodologies and promoted the sharing of expertise across borders.

Licensed Professional Engineer, Ontario, Canada