Director of Climate Science
I am a member of the Met Office Executive and accountable to
the Chief Executive for providing the climate science strategy and
delivery, and contributing to overall corporate management and strategy.
I
joined the Met Office in 1973 after completing a PhD in atomic physics
in Belfast. I have spent most of my time since then trying to understand
and predict climate changes, apart from two short spells forecasting
in Bracknell.
I became an Individual Merit promotee in 1988, allowing
me to concentrate on research without increased management responsibility.
The areas of research which gave me most satisfaction have been identifying
the uncertainty in cloud climate feedbacks, and the attribution of
recent climate change to human activity.
In 2002 I became Chief Scientist
with substantially greater management responsibilities. This
gave me a much broader view of research and the wider workings of the
Met Office.
In
2006 I moved to the newly created post of Director of Climate Science.
My new post enables me to spend more time on climate research. My aim
is to ensure that the Met Office retains its world leading position
in climate, and uses this to develop a thriving business giving advice
on climate change. I enjoy working with my fellow directors and dealing
with the challenges that face the Executive.
