About Alan Dickinson

Alan is responsible for the development and implementation of the Met Office's Science and Technology strategy.

Areas of expertise include:

• fluid dynamics;

• numerical weather prediction techniques;

• use of massively parallel computers.

Current activities

Alan is a member of the Executive team and Director of Science and Technology, with particular responsibility for the development and implementation of the Met Office's Science and Technology strategy, ensuring that it supports the short- and long-term business objectives of the organisation.

Career background

Alan Dickinson gained an honours degree in Applied Mathematics in 1972 and a PhD in Fluid Dynamics in 1975 both from Liverpool University. He joined the Met Office in 1975 and has since undertaken a variety of roles in both research and IT. During his career at the Met Office he has taken responsibility for the scientific and numerical optimisation of the weather forecasting models used in operations, and has had significant involvement with the procurement and use of supercomputers by the Met Office, including pioneering the use of massively parallel computers in operations.

External recognition

Alan is a member and chair of a number of international committees. These include:

• Chair of the ECMWF Technical Advisory Committee.

• Chair of the WMO THORPEX Executive Committee and International Core Steering Committee.

• Chair of the NCOF Governing Board.