The creation of MESOMAQ was stimulated by the need to strengthen advanced modelling capabilities in the UK for addressing complex urban and regional air quality research problems, including the behaviour of pollutants, such as photo-oxidants and aerosols in the lower troposphere. This requires models that are able to incorporate a more comprehensive description of atmospheric transport and mixing processes along with detailed chemical interactions. Such models are able to produce 3D multi-pollutant concentrations on high spatial and temporal resolutions over multi-scales. In order to achieve this, a national coordination effort has been made by NCAS and users in the UK along with collaboration with groups in Europe and the USA.

The MESOMAQ coordinating committee was established in May 2005 to provide direction and coordination of the various initiatives on mesoscale modelling with emphasis on air quality applications. It is evident that MESOMAQ will also lead to greater interaction between the meteorology, air quality and climate communities. A list server has been set up by BADC to facilitate dialogue amongst the wider MESOMAQ membership (currently around 55 members).