Partnership joins Exeter’s weather and climate experts

Each of the universities has been selected for their leading and distinct capabilities in weather and climate research. The scheme draws together these capabilities to focus on joint research, helping to secure the UK’s position in leading the world in this field.

Janice Kay, Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Exeter, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of this partnership, which is a true collaboration of world-class weather and climate expertise. It will deliver research that not only sets the global benchmark, but also has the potential to change lives.

“Through previous collaborations with the Met Office we’ve already looked at issues such as the links between human health and climate, and improving the way we model the atmosphere to deliver more accurate forecasts. Going forward, I believe the expertise of all our multi-disciplinary researchers and teams here in Exeter and in Cornwall can make a huge contribution to this partnership. We will work together to improve our understanding of weather and climate to face the global challenges ahead.”

The University of Exeter’s specific areas of expertise for the partnership include earth system science; using maths and statistics to study weather and climate; and looking at the links between human health, weather and climate.

This will include the research base at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH), an initiative of the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry – which is a joint venture between the NHS and the universities of Exeter and Plymouth. The ECEHH is looking specifically at how environmental changes may affect human health.

The expert knowledge at the University of Exeter has already been utilised in a series of high-profile research collaborations between the University and the Met Office, and the new partnership will build on those successes.

In all, the collaboration creates a cluster of more than 1,000 scientists working in areas from atmospheric chemistry and air quality through to weather extremes and risk management.

Julia Slingo, Met Office Chief Scientist, said: “This is the first time that a group of universities has joined forces with a leading government organisation to form a cluster of research excellence aimed at accelerating science research to benefit society.

“This is just the start of what I hope will be an exciting joint venture and only one element of our collaborations, both here and overseas, aimed at maximising the benefit of the UK’s world-class expertise in weather forecasting and climate prediction.”

Joining the Met Office Academic Partnership is the latest recognition of the University of Exeter’s increasingly high-profile position in weather and climate research. The research  is part of a Science Strategy initiative, under the theme of ‘Climate change and sustainable futures’.

Recently, it was revealed that seven of the University’s researchers would contribute to the IPCC’s 5th Assessment Report on climate change – more than any other academic institution in the UK. Combined with the eight researchers taking part in the report for the Met Office, this means there are more experts from Exeter taking part in this globally significant report than from any other city in the world.

You can find out more about the Met Office Academic Partnership and some of the work the University of Exeter has already done with the Met Office at www.exeter.ac.uk/metoffice