Chief Scientist (CSc)
I am a member of the Met Office Executive and accountable to the Chief Executive for providing scientific and technical strategy and contributing to overall corporate management and strategies. I am also responsible for ensuring the effective direction and management of the research process.
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. I really enjoyed working with my research team during my period in the Met Office Hadley Centre. 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.
The balance between research and management changed dramatically when I became Chief Scientist; I now spend most of my time on management issues although in principle I still have one day a week in which to continue my research. I enjoy working with my fellow directors and dealing with the challenges that face the Executive.
My aim is to ensure that the Met Office retains its world leading position in short-range NWP and climate. I also want to see this office make the best use of its research in maintaining and growing the business.