Welcome to the
Center for Aerosol In-Situ - European Center for Aerosol Calibration and Characterization
In the frame of the European Research Infrastructure ACTRIS-ERIC, the European Center for Aerosol Calibration and Characterization (CAIS-ECAC) is one of the Central Facilities for the ACTRIS National Facilities and external users worldwide. CAIS-ECAC’s mission is to offer operational support for quality assured and controlled physical and chemical aerosol in situ measurements & sampling, to conduct traceable instrument calibration, and to perform laboratory analysis of aerosol samples. Furthermore, CAIS-ECAC develops and offers Near-Real-Time tools for fast data submission and central quality control.
CAIS-ECAC is a consortium, consisting of seven facilities. The WCCAP (World Calibration Center for Aerosol Physics), PACC (Prague Aerosol Calibration Center), and CCC (Cluster Calibration Center) are responsible for aerosol microphysical and optical aerosol variables. The OCTAC-CC (Organic Tracer and Aerosol Constituents - Calibration Center), ERLAP (European Reference Laboratory for Air Pollution), the ACMCC (Aerosol Chemical Monitor Calibration Center) and EMC2 (Element Mass Calibration Center) are in charge of the chemical & elemental aerosol variables.
To visit the CF and the workshops, please click on the icon.
which consists of
Seven Central Facilities
and is responsible for 65 National Facilities in 18 countries in Europe.
Events & Announcement
Vacancy: Head of the CAIS-ECAC and Researcher in Atmospheric Microphysics at TROPOS
announcement: Leipzig, 22.01.2026
application deadline: March 2, 2026
Application to: application[at]tropos.de
Head of the European Center for Aerosol Calibration and Characterization (CAIS-ECAC) and Researcher in Atmospheric Microphysics
The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) is a research institute of the Leibniz Association and an internationally renowned institute in the field of aerosol and cloud research. ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure, www.actris.eu) is a European research infrastructure for quality-assured observation of aerosols, clouds, and short-lived trace gases. ACTRIS serves to investigate the complex interactions between gases, aerosols and clouds, especially in the areas of climate and air quality.
We are looking for an outstanding personality in the field of aerosol research with in-depth experience in measurement technology and quality assurance for the Department of Atmospheric Microphysics (AMP).
In addition to research activities, the position encompasses the lead of CAIS-ECAC. It is important to maintain close contact with all institutions within CAIS-ECAC and to work together to shape the future of ACTRIS and CAIS-ECAC. An enthusiasm for international cooperation and a vision for further development are just as important as technical expertise and experience in applying for international third-party funding in order to continue and strengthen the consortium through new European applications.
Workshops at Central Facilities
Event: OCEC-2026-1 inter-laboratory comparison
Location: ERLAP
Application deadline: 12 January, 2026
Course announcement and application: since 01 December 2025
Information:
The applications to the OCEC-2026-1 inter-laboratory comparison are now open (since Dec. 1st) and will remain open till 12 Jan. 2026.
We would like to inform you that participation is compulsory for laboratories submitting OC & EC data to EBAS.
>> https://erlap-intercomparison.jrc.ec.europa.euFor all applications use our dedicated web page, please
Activity &
Newsletter
Meetings
Minutes
page under construction
last update January 2024
last update September 2022Measurement
Guidelines
Labeling
Process
Labeling Process Step 1A - initial acceptance
The labeling process for a ACTRIS National Facility consists of several steps:
The sketch explains the procedure of the step 1a, the initial acceptance, at CAIS-ECAC.
- step 1a (initial acceptance)
- step 1b (performance evaluation after 2 consecutive years of operation)
- step 1c (review approval and obtaining the ACTRIS label)
- step 2 (regular re-evaluation)
Procedure Of The Labeling
Operational SupportOperational support which is organized by CAIS-ECAC on regular basis:
Operational Support | Instrument | Frequency | Modality of provision |
| Calibration Workshops at CAIS-ECAC | Microphysical & optical instruments | biannually | Call launched by CAIS-ECAC |
| Round-Robin-Tests at CAIS-ECAC | OC/EC Organic tracers Element analysis | annually | Call launched by CAIS-ECAC |
| NF audits | Not regular | Call launched by CAIS-ECAC |
Head of the European Center for Aerosol Calibration and Characterization (CAIS-ECAC) and Researcher in Atmospheric Microphysics
The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) is a research institute of the Leibniz Association and an internationally renowned institute in the field of aerosol and cloud research. ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure, www.actris.eu) is a European research infrastructure for quality-assured observation of aerosols, clouds, and short-lived trace gases. ACTRIS serves to investigate the complex interactions between gases, aerosols and clouds, especially in the areas of climate and air quality.
We are looking for an outstanding personality in the field of aerosol research with in-depth experience in measurement technology and quality assurance for the Department of Atmospheric Microphysics (AMP).
In addition to research activities, the position encompasses the lead of CAIS-ECAC. It is important to maintain close contact with all institutions within CAIS-ECAC and to work together to shape the future of ACTRIS and CAIS-ECAC. An enthusiasm for international cooperation and a vision for further development are just as important as technical expertise and experience in applying for international third-party funding in order to continue and strengthen the consortium through new European applications.
ACTRIS - CAIS-ECAC - Aerosol In-Situ Course 2026
Fundamentals & Methods for Aerosol Sampling and Physical & Chemical
In-Situ Measurements
Date: Saturday March 14 to Friday March 20, 2026
Venue: National Atmospheric Observatory Kosetice, Czech Republic
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