Professor of Geography on Queen's birthday honours list – University of Reading
19 June 2001Professor Robert James Gurney, Professor of Physical Geography and Director, the Environmental Systems Science Centre in the University, was awarded the OBE for services to Earth Observation and to Environmental Science, in the Queen's Birthday Honours List announced on Saturday 16 June.
Professor Gurney is 50 years old and has been with the University of Reading since 1990. Trained as a hydrologist, he has worked for the Institute of Hydrology in Wallingford and for the American space agency NASA.
As a research scientist, Professor Gurney's work mainly involves Earth Observation: using the sensors on satellites to measure the properties of the atmosphere. This work is important for understanding how plants grow, how clouds form and how the Earth's climate may be changing.
Professor Gurney has also been highly influential in guiding the way in which bodies such as the Natural Environment Research Council and the Space Agency make increasing use of Earth Observation to help understand the environment.
For further details, please contact Sue Rayner or Carol Derham on 0118 931 8004/5 Fax 0118 931 8924