An internationally renowned climatologist with over two decades of experience in climate variability and extreme events, Elena Xoplaki joins CMCC to advance research on climate risks and resilience through innovative approaches combining modelling, historical records, and artificial intelligence.

A distinguished climate scientist with over two decades of experience in climate variability, extreme events, and their societal impacts, Dr. Elena Xoplaki will join the CMCC Foundation on November 13, as Senior Scientist at the Institute for Earth System Predictions (IESP).

“I join CMCC for its world-class climate research environment, cutting-edge modelling and AI expertise, and strong interdisciplinary culture,” says Dr. Xoplaki. “Its stability, resources, and internationally recognised team provide the ideal conditions to advance broader climate science with maximum impact, while it is the optimal environment for my ERC Synergy Grant EUROpest.”

Currently Acting Head of the Climatology, Climate Dynamics, and Climate Change group at Justus Liebig University Giessen, where she leads a diverse team of researchers and doctoral students, Dr. Xoplaki brings a long track record of scientific leadership. Her projects include MedEWSa, developing a Mediterranean-wide multi-hazard early warning system, DAKI-FWS, applying AI to seasonal climate forecasting, and the prestigious ERC Synergy EUROpest, which integrates machine learning, history, and natural sciences to advance understanding of pandemics in history.

Her scientific contributions – spanning over 100 peer-reviewed publications – combine climate modelling, statistical and dynamical approaches, and artificial intelligence to deepen understanding of how climate variability and extremes interact with societies. This integrative perspective reflects her longstanding commitment to bridging fundamental and applied science to support resilience and evidence-based decision-making.

At CMCC, Dr. Xoplaki will focus on understanding the links between climate variability, extreme events, and societal impacts, integrating historical records with modern modelling and AI. “I will be focusing on improving the detection, attribution, and prediction of climate-related risks, with the aim of delivering knowledge that supports resilience and informed decision-making,” she explains.

Beyond her research, Dr. Xoplaki has a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists and fostering collaboration. She is a Vice-Chair of the UN ITU/WMO/UNEP Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards, where she contributes to facilitate international partnerships that translate cutting-edge science into impactful policy tools. Her international leadership and commitment to interdisciplinary science exemplify the values that CMCC seeks to foster.

“I expect this new chapter to strengthen scientific collaboration, encourage the exchange of ideas, and create opportunities to develop innovative approaches that advance climate research,” she says. “I look forward to contributing my expertise while learning from the diverse skills and perspectives within the CMCC community, building strong, long-term partnerships that enhance our collective impact.”

“Elena Xoplaki is an internationally renowned scientist who brings to CMCC extensive expertise in climate variability, extreme events, and their increasing impacts on society – areas that align perfectly with the strategic goals of our Institute,” said Simona Masina, Director of the Institute for Earth System Predictions (IESP). “CMCC is committed to providing a stimulating environment that supports her determination, her passion for training the next generation of scientists, her broad network of international collaborations, and her remarkable ability to attract research funding. Elena joins CMCC with a highly interdisciplinary ERC Synergy project, which reflects the very nature and mission of our Center since its inception.”