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Since September I'm back at IMAU, after 5 months of absence, and it is a pleasure to introduce this IMAU newsletter. Although I greatly enjoyed my time in the UK, where I spent a sabbatical at the ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ of Exeter, it just feels very good to come back to IMAU. With all developments and new challenges (see the ) for climate research there is a community-sense at our institute which extends well beyond the thematic groups.

So, what did I do in the UK? I discovered a very lively mathematics department in Exeter, with at least four groups working on complexity science in some way or another related to climate and environment. The amount and breadth of the research is amazing, with a number of very well attended colloquia and seminars taking place every week.

Short visits to the MetOffice (within biking distance from the campus in Exeter), Bristol and Leeds were also on the programme. It was fun to talk to so many people, some with similar, and some with very different backgrounds. I had time to develop new ideas for research, learn about dynamical systems and see what tools others are using – a very nice experience.

Most of this happened in a very inspiring natural environment with the beautiful Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site nearby, an amazing exposure of 185 million years of Earth’s history along 95 miles of very British coastline. In the city of Exeter – while close to the sea – I realized that hills are really missing in the Netherlands, although at the same time their absence makes biking much easier; streets along contour lines here are considered an unnecessary luxury. Me and my 10-year-old daughter Julia also found out that the British politeness is a fact, and that its training starts already in primary school.

In this newsletter, I hope you will enjoy reading about a new atmospheric chemistry campaign in Cabauw, about experiences with school teachers during NESSC activities, or about how to listen to the ocean.

Anna von der Heydt