Jan Handwerker

Dr. Jan Handwerker serves as the Acting Head of the Boundary Layer and Convective Systems Working Group at the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research Troposphärenforschung (IMKTRO) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His research focuses on meteorological phenomena with particular expertise in boundary layer dynamics, convective systems, and radar meteorology. He has led and participated in numerous international field campaigns including Swabian MOSES, DACCIWA, and COPS, demonstrating his leadership in atmospheric observation studies.

His research interests span several critical areas of modern meteorology:

• Boundary layer dynamics and convective initiation processes
• Radar observation techniques and polarimetric measurements
• Extreme weather events and precipitation modeling
• Field campaign design and implementation across diverse geographical regions
• Mediterranean and West African meteorological systems
• Interdisciplinary approaches connecting meteorology with hydrology

Dr. Handwerker's publication record reveals significant contributions to understanding convective storm development, hail formation mechanisms, and boundary layer processes. His work frequently employs innovative observational strategies combining multiple radar systems with in situ measurements to capture complex atmospheric phenomena. Recent research has focused on comprehensive event chain analysis through the Swabian MOSES campaigns in southwestern Germany, examining how convective storms develop and lead to flooding events.

His scientific approach bridges observational meteorology with numerical modeling, contributing to improved understanding of atmospheric processes that drive severe weather. Dr. Handwerker collaborates extensively with international research teams across Europe and Africa, reflecting the global nature of atmospheric research and the need for multinational cooperation in studying weather systems.