education

Models and Memories: Our NCAS CMSS 2025 Experience

The Social MetworkLeave a comment

Piyali Goswami: p.goswami@pgr.reading.ac.uk

Mehzooz Nizar: m.nizar@pgr.reading.ac.uk

This September, we attended the NCAS Climate Modelling Summer School (CMSS), held at the University of Cambridge from 8th to 19th September. Five of us from the University of Reading joined this two-week residential programme. It was an intense and inspiring experience, full of lectures, coding sessions, discussions, and social events. In this blog, we would like to share our experiences.

 Picture 1: Group Picture of Students and teaching staff. One cohort, many time zones, zero dull moments…

About NCAS CMSS

The NCAS Climate Modelling Summer School (CMSS) is a visionary program, launched in 2007 with funding originating from grant proposals led by Prof. Pier Luigi Vidale. Run by leading researchers from the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and the University of Reading, it’s an immersive, practice-driven program that equips early-career researchers and PhD students with deeper expertise in climate modelling, Earth system science, and state-of-the-art computing. Held biennially in Cambridge, CMSS has trained 350 students from roughly 40 countries worldwide.

The CMSS 2025 brought together around 30 participants, including PhD students and professionals interested in the field of Climate Modelling. 

Long Days, Big Ideas: Inside Our Schedule

The school was full of activity from morning to evening. We started around 9:00 AM and usually wrapped up by 8:30 PM, with a good mix of lectures, practical sessions, and discussions that made the long days fly by.

Week 1 was led by Dr Hilary Weller, who ran an excellent series on Numerical Methods for Atmospheric Models. Mornings were devoted to lectures covering core schemes; afternoons shifted to hands-on Python sessions to implement and test the methods. Between blocks, invited talks from leading researchers across universities highlighted key themes in weather and climate modelling. After dinner, each day closed with a thought-provoking discussion on climate modelling, chaired by Prof. Pier Luigi Vidale, where participants shared ideas on improving models and their societal impact. 

The week concluded with group presentations summarising the key takeaways from Hilary’s sessions and our first collaborative activity that set the tone for the rest of the school. It was followed by a relaxed barbecue evening, where everyone finally had a chance to unwind, chat freely, and celebrate surviving our first week together. 

Picture 2 : Working on our group projects. Looks like NASA, feels like: ‘what’s our team name?’

Week 2 was all about getting hands-on with a climate model and learning how to analyse its output. We moved into group projects using SpeedyWeather.jl to design and run climate model experiments. It is a global atmospheric model with simplified physics, designed as a research playground. One of the developers of SpeedyWeather.jl, Milan Klöwer, was with us throughout the week to guide and support our work. Each team explored a different question, from sensitivity testing to analysing the model outputs, and spent the afternoons debugging, plotting, and comparing results. Evenings featured talks from leading scientists on topics such as the hydrological cycle, land and atmosphere interactions, and the carbon cycle. 

The week also included a formal dinner at Sidney Sussex, a welcomed pause before our final presentations. On Friday 19th of September, every group presented its findings before we all headed home. Some slides were finished only seconds before presenting, but the atmosphere was upbeat and supportive. It was a satisfying end to two weeks of hard work, shared learning, and plenty of laughter. A huge thank you to the teaching team for being there, from the “silly” questions to the stubborn bugs. Your patience, clarity, and genuine care made all the difference.

Picture 3: SpeedyWeather, as told by its favourite storyteller Milan, Picture 4: Pier Luigi probably preparing for the next summer school..

Coffee, Culture, and Climate Chat

The best part of the summer school was the people. The group was diverse: PhD students, and professionals from different countries and research areas. We spent nearly every moment together, from breakfast to evening socials, often ending the day with random games of “Would You Rather” or talking about pets. The summer school’s packed schedule brought us closer and sparked rich chats about science and life, everything from AI’s role in climate modelling to the policy levers behind climate action. We left with a lot to think about. Meeting people from around the world exposed us to rich cultural diversity and new perspectives on how science is practiced in different countries, insights that were both fresh and valuable. It went beyond training: we left with skills, new friends, and the seeds of future collaborations, arguably the most important part of research.

Picture 5: Barbecue evening after wrapping up the first week, Picture 6: Formal dinner at Sidney Sussex, one last evening together before the final presentations

Reflections and takeaways

We didn’t become expert modellers in two weeks, but we did get a glimpse of how complex and creative climate modelling can be. The group presentations were chaotic but fun. Different projects, different approaches, and a few slides that weren’t quite finished in time. Some of us improvised more than we planned, but the atmosphere was supportive and full of laughter. More than anything, we learned by doing and by doing it together. The long days, the discussions, and the teamwork made it all worthwhile.

If you ever get the chance to go, take it. You’ll come back with new ideas, good memories, and friends who make science feel a little more human.

For the future participants

The NCAS CMSS usually opens in early spring, with applications closing around June. With limited spots, selection is competitive and merit-based, evaluating both fit for the course and the expected benefit to the student.

Bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of patience, you’ll need all three. But honestly, that’s what makes it fun. You learn quickly, laugh a lot, and somehow find time to celebrate when a script finally runs without error. By the end, you’ll be tired, happy, and probably a little proud of how much you managed to do (and probably a few new friends who helped you debug along the way).

Starting Your PhD Journey: Tips for Success

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So, you’ve officially embarked on the exciting journey that is a PhD—congrats! You’ve reached a major milestone, and whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or a mix of both, just know you’ve signed up for an adventure like no other. A PhD is an incredible opportunity to dive headfirst into a subject you’re passionate about, build a toolkit of valuable skills, and—who knows?—maybe even make history in your field.

But let’s be real: it’s not all rainbows and groundbreaking discoveries. The PhD life can be challenging, sometimes feeling like a marathon through an obstacle course. You’ll have moments that test your patience, confidence, and sometimes, your sanity. That’s why here at Social Metwork, we’ve gathered some golden advice from seasoned PhD students to help you navigate these waters. Our goal? To make this transition into PhD life a little smoother, maybe even a little fun.

We’ll break these tips down into three areas: navigating day-to-day life as a PhD student, getting organized like a pro, and growing into the great scholar you’re destined to be. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Navigating Day-to-day Life as a PhD Student

Work-life balance

The first year of your PhD can feel overwhelming as you try to juggle research, coursework, and life. One key piece of advice? Don’t overwork yourself. As Laura Risley puts it, “Sometimes if you’re struggling with work, an afternoon off is more useful than staying up late and not taking a break.” It’s easy to get absorbed in your work, but stepping away to recharge can actually help you return with fresh perspectives.

Getting involved in activities outside your PhD is another great way to maintain balance (L. Risley, 2024). Whether it’s exploring more of Reading, participating in a hobby, or just getting outside for some fresh air, your brain will thank you for the break. Remember, “Your PhD is important, but so is your health,” so make sure to take care of yourself and make time for things that bring you joy: exercise, good food, and sleep!

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of routine. Building a consistent schedule can help bring some stability to PhD life. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. The weight of expectations can be heavy so give yourself permission to not have it all figured out yet. You won’t understand everything right away, and that’s completely normal!

Socialising and Building a Support System

Your cohort is your lifeline. The people you start with are going through the same experiences, and they will be your greatest support system. Whether you’re attending department events, organizing a BBQ, or just grabbing a coffee, socializing with your peers is a great way to get through everything. At the end of the day, we are all in this together! As Rhiannon Biddiscombe wisely says, “Go for coffee with people, go to Sappo, enjoy the pub crawls, waste a night out at PT, take part in the panto, spend time in the department in-person” — so make sure you get involved!

If what you want is to meet new people, you could even help organise social events, like research groups or casual hangouts – feeling connected within your department can make all the difference when you’re having a tough week. And hey, if you’re looking for a fun group activity, “Market House in town has darts boards, ping pong tables, and shuffleboard (you slide little discs to the end of the board, it’s good fun!)”.  

2. Getting Organised Like a Pro

Writing and Coding

Staying organised is critical for both your mental health and your research. Adam Gainford recommends you start by setting up a reference manager early on—trust us, you’ll thank yourself later. And if your research involves coding, learn version control tools like GitHub to keep your projects neat and manageable. As a fellow PhD student says “Keeping organised will help keep your future self sane (and it’s a good skill that will help you with employability and future group projects)”.

A golden rule for writing: write as you go. Don’t wait until the last minute to start putting your thoughts on paper. Whether it’s jotting down a few ideas, outlining a chapter, or even starting a draft, regular writing will save you from stress later on. Remember what Laura always says, “It’s never too early to start writing.”

Time Management

Managing your time as a PhD student is a balancing act. Plans will shift, deadlines will change, and real life will get in the way—it’s all part of the process. Instead of stressing over every slipped deadline, try to “go with the flow”. Your real deadlines are far down the road, and as long as you’re progressing steadily, you’re doing fine.

Being organised also doesn’t have to be complicated. Some find it helpful to create daily, weekly, or even monthly plans. Rhiannon recommends keeping a calendar is a great way to track meetings, seminars, and research group sessions – I myself could not agree more and find time-blocking is a great way to make sure everything gets done. Regarding your inbox, make sure you “stay on top of your emails but don’t look at them constantly. Set aside a few minutes a day to look at emails and sort them into folders, but don’t let them interrupt your work too much!”. Most importantly though, don’t forget to schedule breaks—even just five minutes of stepping away can help you reset (and of course, make sure you have some valuable holiday time off!).

3. Growing into the Scholar You’re Meant to Be

Asking for Help

This journey isn’t something you’re expected to do alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from your friends, supervisors, or other PhD students. Asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. What’s great is that everyone has different backgrounds, and more often than not, someone will be able to help you navigate whatever you’re facing (trust me, as a geography graduate my office mates saved my life with atmospheric physics!). Whether you’re stuck on a tricky equation or need clarification on a concept, ask ask ask! 

“You’ve got a whole year to milk the ‘I’m a first year’ excuse, but in all seriousness, its never too late to ask when you’re unsure!” – a fellow PhD student.

Navigating Supervisor Meetings

Your supervisors are there to guide you, but communication is key. Be honest with them, especially when you’re struggling or need more support. If something doesn’t make sense, speak up—don’t nod along and hope for the best, “they should always have your back” (it will also be very embarrassing if you go along with it and are caught out with questions…). 

Also, “If you know some things you want to get out of your PhD, communicate that with your supervisors”. Open communication will help you build a stronger working relationship and ensure you get what you need from the process.

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can hit hard during a PhD, especially when you’re surrounded by brilliant people doing impressive work. But here’s the thing: don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s PhD is different—some projects lend themselves to quick results, while others take longer. Just because someone publishes early doesn’t mean your research is less valuable or that you’re behind – we are all on our own journeys. 

And remember, no one expects you to know everything right away. “There might be a pressure, knowing that you’ve been ‘handpicked’ for a project, that you should know things already; be able to learn things more quickly than you’re managing; be able to immediately understand what your supervisor is talking about when they bring up XYZ concept that they’ve been working on for 20+ years. In reality, no reasonable person expects you to know everything or even much at all yet. You were hand-picked for the project because of your potential to eventually become an independent researcher in your field – A PhD is simply training you for that, so you need to finish the PhD to finish that training.”

If you’d struggling with imposter syndrome, or want to learn about ways to deal with it, I highly recommend attending the imposter syndrome RRDP. 

A Few Final Words of Wisdom

The PhD rollercoaster is full of ups and downs, but remember, you’re doing fine. “If you’re supervisors are happy, then don’t worry! Everything works out in the end, even when it seems to not be working for a while! “– Laura Risley

It’s also super important to enjoy the process. You’ve chosen a topic you’re passionate about, and this is a rare opportunity to fully immerse yourself in it. Take advantage of that! Don’t shy away from opportunities to share your work. Whether it’s giving a talk, presenting a poster (or writing for the Social Metwork blog!!), practice makes perfect when it comes to communicating your research.

Embarking on a PhD is no small feat, but hopefully with these tips, you’ll have the tools to manage the challenges and enjoy the ride. And if all else fails, remember the most important advice of all: “Vote in the Big Biscuit Bracket—it’s the most important part of being a PhD student!”. 

From the department’s PhDs students to you! 

Written by Juan Garcia Valencia