Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (formerly the Environmental Protection Administration) and the space agency of the United States of America, NASA have a history of cooperation of 20 years. The Aerosol Automatic Monitoring Network (AERONET) of NASA is the most successful global ground-based remote-sensing network in the world with about 600 active global sites. With this long history of collaboration, NASA cooperated with the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station (LABS) to establish a calibration platform at Mt. Lulin. On the 2nd of November, 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Taiwan established the Asia Pacific AERONET Calibration and Training Center (APAC) as the major AERONET calibration center in Asia.
Mission Statement
The broader objective of the Asia Pacific AERONET Calibration and Training Center (APAC) is to advance the science of atmospheric aerosol remote sensing and its application across the Asia-Pacific region. To achieve this, APAC focuses on the following key missions:
- Support NASA’s AERONET network by providing precise calibration services for Cimel Sunphotometers, ensuring accurate and reliable aerosol data throughout the region.
- Deliver specialized training programs to enhance the technical capabilities of regional scientists and researchers in aerosol monitoring, data processing, and analysis.
- Facilitate satellite ground-based validation by supplying accurate, consistent calibration data that is essential for validating satellite-based environmental and climate studies.
- Promote and strengthen regional collaborations, contributing to the global efforts in monitoring air quality and addressing climate change challenges.
Facilities in APAC
Lulin Calibration Platform
This calibration platform on top of Mt. Lulin in Nantou County, Taiwan, is certified by NASA. Up to six instruments can be calibrated here simultaneously.
Office & Calibration Lab
This lab maintains, troubleshoots, coordinates logistics for, and calibrates instruments. This lab also serves as the main office of the calibration center.
Data And Training Facility
This facility maintains the high quality of the data and provides training on how to operate the instruments and use the data for scientific research.
Meet our Team
Our comprehensive suite of professionals caters to a diverse team, including Professor, managers, atmospheric researchers, engineers, and students.
Staff Contacts
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. Sheng-Hsiang (Carlo) Wang | Head of Center | carlo@g.ncu.edu.tw |
| Ms. Pu-Hsin Wu | Secretary | b95605041@g.ncu.edu.tw |
| Dr. Yueh-Chen (Mia) Wang | Research Associate | miawang.yc2804@gmail.com |
| Mr. Bing-Qian (Keith) Wu | Lab Manager | brave815527@gmail.com |
| Ms. Stefani Huang | Data Manager | stefani0203@gmail.com |
| Mr. Amit Bhujel | Engineer | amit.bhjl@gmail.com |
| Ms. Jui-Hsin (Yolko) Hsu | Student | yolkoooooo@g.ncu.edu.tw |
Advisory Board
Our comprehensive board of advisors comprises experienced individuals from their respective fields.
Dr. Shuenn-Chin Chang
HoD, Environmental Monitoring and Information Management,
MoEnv, Taiwan
Dr. Pawan Gupta
AERONET Project Co-Lead, NASA
Brent Holben
AERONET Emeritus, NASA
Prof. Neng-Huei (George) Lin
National Central University
Dr. Elena Lind
AERONET Project Co-Lead, NASA
Dr. Si-Chee Tsay
EOS/Terra Deputy Project Scientist
Dr. Ellsworth Judd Welton
MPLNET Project Head, NASA