There is a growing interest in space physics and space weather in Europe, US, Japan, and
China. To reach predictive capabilities in the future, it is most important to understanding the
processes in the upper atmosphere and near-Earth space. The harmful effects of space
processes include space radiation that can damage satellites, density variations in the
ionosphere and plasmasphere that can disturb GNSS navigation, and induced currents that can
affect power grids. Increased dependence on technology in space, miniaturization of satellite
hardware and the projected future appearance of autonomous vehicles is the reason why space
weather has attracted so much attention in recent years. An increasing amount of data from
satellites and new space physics models require new approaches and new tools such as data
assimilation and machine learning.

The Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Plasmasphere-Thermosphere (MIPT) system is driven by the
solar wind and is strongly coupled. This research unit will bring together researchers to
understand the coupling processes between the MIPT sub-systems. The Magnetosphere is
driven by the solar wind, which determines convection, the shape of the Magnetosphere as well
as the configuration of electric and magnetic fields. The Magnetosphere is in turn strongly
couple to the Ionosphere, which is also strongly influenced by the Thermosphere. The dynamics
of the Plasmasphere - which is an extension of the Ionosphere - can affect the dynamics of the
ring current and radiation belts. Precipitation of particles from the Magnetosphere can influence
the chemistry in the upper atmosphere.

These subsystems are usually discussed and studied in isolation, while such a complex system
requires a complex approach and the coupling processes between different systems need to be
better understood and quantified. The main focus of the multidisciplinary research unit will be to
understand the various coupling and feedback mechanisms in the upper atmosphere and the
near-Earth space and to understand how this complex system is driven by the solar wind and
can influence the lower atmosphere.