The ROFS Division addresses the following streams of activities:
- Managing and Enhancing the Copernicus Mediterranean and Black Sea Systems
The division leads efforts in coordinating, optimizing, and developing reanalysis, analysis, and forecast systems for the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions within the Copernicus Marine Service.
- Development of Regional Ocean Modeling and Data Assimilation
The division develops and implements state-of-the-art regional ocean models and data assimilation systems specifically targeting the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions and it is involved in the innovation, design and development of regional forecasting systems, including coupled and ensemble forecasting systems.
- Optimizing Operational Chains
The division is committed to the continuous maintenance, optimization, and enhancement of operational chains for forecasting systems in the Mediterranean (MedFS), Black Sea (BSFS), and Global Ocean (GOFS16) domains.
- Streamlining Data Management
The division implements data management, archiving, and delivery tools to facilitate the access of critical data for forecasting activities.
ROFS projects
How to promote a sustainable future for fish production in Europe? This…
The Enhancing NEMO for Marine Applications and Services (ENMASSE) project represents a…
The IRIDE program is an innovative project undertaken by the Italian government…
ROFS publications
A description of ocean forecasting applications around the globe
Veitch J., Alvarez-Fanjul E., Capet A., Ciliberti S., Cirano M.,Clementi E., et al.
2025, Scientific synthesis reports and assessments, doi: 10.5194/sp-5-opsr-6-2025
Published articles
A description of existing operational ocean forecasting services around the globe
Cirano M., Alvarez-Fanjul E., Capet A., Ciliberti S.,Clementi E., et al.
2025, Scientific synthesis reports and assessments, doi: 10.5194/sp-5-opsr-5-2025
Published articles
High frequency radar observing system simulation experiment in the Western Mediterranean Sea. A Lagrangian assessment approach
Hernandez Lasheras J., Orfila A., Santana A., Hernández-Carrasco I., Mourre B.
2025, Ocean Modelling, doi: 10.1016/j.ocemod.2025.102553
Published articles
Research Units
Leader
Francesco Maicu
The Mediterranean Sea Modeling Research Unit leads research activities focused on model development, setup, implementation, and qualification to ensure continuous improvement of the Mediterranean Sea modeling system. These efforts enhance understanding of basin dynamics and improve forecasting capabilities within the operational system. A close collaboration with the Black Sea Modeling RU ensures ongoing exchange and the implementation of a unified strategy across both regions.
Leader
Diana Azevedo
The Black Sea Modeling Research Unit leads research activities focused on model development, setup, implementation, and qualification to ensure continuous improvement of the Black Sea modeling system. These efforts enhance understanding of basin dynamics and improve forecasting capabilities within the operational system. A close collaboration with the Mediterranean Sea Modeling RU ensures ongoing exchange and the implementation of a unified strategy across both regions.
Leader
Ali Aydogdu
The Mediterranean Sea Data Assimilation Research Unit focuses on advancing data assimilation techniques through research, setup, implementation, and qualification, with the goal of continuously improving the Mediterranean Sea assimilation system. These advancements deepen our understanding of the impacts of observational data ingestion on basin dynamics and strengthen the Mediterranean Sea analysis and reanalysis systems. This RU works closely with the Black Sea Data Assimilation RU to maintain alignment and pursue a shared strategic approach.
Leader
Eric Jansen
The Black Sea Data Assimilation Research Unit focuses on advancing data assimilation techniques through research, setup, implementation, and qualification, with the goal of continuously improving the Black Sea assimilation system. These advancements deepen our understanding of the impacts of observational data on basin dynamics and strengthen the Black Sea analysis and reanalysis systems. This RU works closely with the Mediterranean Sea Data Assimilation RU to maintain alignment and pursue a shared strategic approach.
Leader
Massimiliano Drudi
The Research to Operations Research Unit is responsible for designing and implementing flexible environments to conduct and evaluate R&D numerical experiments, and for setting up operational chains. The RU also implements continuous integration procedures to ensure R&D advancements are smoothly moved into the production framework. Additional specific objectives of this RU are the design and implementation of operational solutions for potential failures, and the optimal use of computational resources for both R&D and operational systems.
Leader
Rita Lecci
The Research Unit for Operations and Data Management is responsible for operational chains and data management within ROFS Division. It ensures secure access to computational resources and oversees operational chains, including their implementation, maintenance, and recovery, with minimal human intervention. This unit also establishes Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to define delivery times and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and other essential metrics to ensure operational standards are met. Additionally, the unit handles the management of internal and external datasets, ensuring their integrity, availability, and archiving, while supporting data sharing with external partners and client services.