An external view of the Met Office building at night.

Dr Ben Shipway

Ben is Head of the Dynamics Research Group and leads the scientific development of LFRic - the next generation replacement for the Unified Model.

Areas of expertise

  • Dynamical core development
  • Physics-Dynamics coupling
  • Microphysics.

  • Aerosol-cloud interactions.

My Publications - Shipway, B

Current activities

Ben is the Head of the Dynamics Research group and leads the development of the scientific aspects of LFRic - the next generation replacement for the Unified Model.  From a dynamics perspective this is geared towards development of the GungHo dynamical core - a compatible mixed finite element approach, targeting a cubed-sphere mesh.

Ben is also interested in physics-dynamics coupling aspects and works closely with colleagues in Atmospheric Processes and Parametrizations; integrating the subgrid physics schemes into the LFRic framework with a view to maintaining accuracy, computational efficiency, thermodynamic consistency and conservation properties.

Ben is also interested in process modelling and physics parametrization development; in particular microphysics, aerosol-cloud interactions and convection.  Ben developed the CASIM bulk microphysics code, which provides a flexible framework from which to investigate aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions and microphysics complexity, both in the context of NWP systems and high resolution process modelling. 

Career background

Ben started at the Met Office in 2003 as a member of Atmospheric Processes and Parametrizations. Prior to joining the Met Office, Ben completed a PhD in linear wave theory at the Department of Mathematics in the University of Bristol, where he also received his undergraduate degree. Ben joined the Dynamics Research group in 2015 to manage a team developing GungHo, before moving to his current position as Head of Dynamics Research in 2019.

Ben's early work at the Met Office focussed on the development of convective parametrizations, using Cloud Resolving Models as his primary tool. However, along the way, Ben developed interests in a range of related areas, including the use of bulk and bin microphysics and cloud-aerosol interactions.

Ben has been an active member of GASS and the International Cloud Modelling Workshop. Ben co-chaired and hosted the 9th ICMW and was a member of the Scientific Steering Committee of GASS until 2016. Ben recently contributed to the book Clouds and Climate .

Ben has co-supervised two PhD theses and is supervisor to two current PhD students. Ben is currently a Visiting Fellow at the University of Exeter and is a former Associate Editor of Monthly Weather Review.