This month’s monthly SG member highlight features PCAPS SG member, Phil Browne, a scientist in the research department at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Phil has a background in data assimilation, which is an important focus in PCAPS. Phil reflects on his own role in PCAPS and how his work in PCAPS helps pave the way forward for improved data assimilation and observing systems in the polar regions.