About Robert Tubbs

Robert works on assimilating infrared satellite data into convective-scale NWP models, as well as managing the website of the NWP SAF.

Areas of expertise

• Fourier optics and optical measurements of turbulent mixing
• Assimilation of infra-red radiance observations
• Visual monitoring of output from NWP systems

Robert's publications

Current activities

Robert is currently involved in the assimilation of infrared observations from METEOSAT's SEVIRI instrument into high-resolution NWP models, including the 1.5km-resolution UKV model. This work is primarily aimed towards better representation of convective clouds in the model, for both short-range forecasts and nowcasting.

Robert also develops systems for visual monitoring of convective-scale NWP output, in particular through comparison with infrared satellite observations.

Since July 2008 Robert has also been responsible for maintaining the website of the NWP SAF, a joint venture between EUMETSAT, the Met Office, ECMWF, KNMI and Météo-France.

Career background

Robert has worked for the Met Office JRC since January 2008. Prior to joining the Met Office, Robert completed a physics MSci degree at the University of Cambridge, and then worked as a metrologist studying laser pulse duration and standards for fibre-optic communication at the National Physical Laboratory (UK). In 2003 Robert completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge studying the effects of turbulent mixing in the troposphere on optical propagation and imaging, followed by four related postdoctoral fellowship positions supported by respectively: the University of Leiden; the European Commission's Marie Curie programme; Arcetri Observatory; and the Max Planck Gesellschaft.

Since joining the Met Office in 2008, Robert has focused on the assimilation of infrared radiances from geostationary satellites into Met Office NWP models. This work has included measurement and modelling of the optical properties of METEOSAT's SEVIRI instrument.