On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Neelesh Rampal

Data Scientist

Qualifications
  1. PhD, Climate Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
  2. MSc, Physics, University of Auckland, Auckland.
  3. BSc (Hons), Geophysics, University of Auckland, Auckland. 
Location
Auckland
Science Centre

Contact Details

Biography

Neelesh's research focuses on artificial intelligence applications in climate science and weather forecasting, with a particular emphasis on using state-of-the-art generative AI algorithms to emulate high-resolution regional climate models. A central theme of his work is developing machine learning approaches that can learn and respect underlying physical laws.

He previously co-led a successfully funded MBIE Endeavour Smart Ideas project — "Combining Physics and Artificial Intelligence: A Hybrid Model for Actionable Climate Projections" — which centred on developing reliable AI methods capable of emulating regional climate models, particularly for extreme events. Neelesh is now leading a new Smart Ideas project (2025–2028) titled "Quantifying Impacts of Record-Shattering Weather Events on Critical Infrastructure under Climate Change", undertaken in collaboration with a number of international research institutes.

Further information can be found at: High-resolution climate projections using physics and AI.