Meteorologists chosen as Nation’s pioneers – University of Reading
13 October 2003
Professor Brian Hoskins and Professor Keith Browning of the Department of Meteorology have both been invited to attend a reception to be hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham palace on 13 October. 500 people have been selected to attend the 'Pioneers to the life of the Nation' reception that will celebrate Britons who have made a significant contribution to society, on a national or local level. The Royal Meteorological Society proposed Professors Hoskins and Browning as representing what has been achieved in the last few decades in the theoretical and observational area of meteorology. Their contribution is seen in the practical areas of improved weather forecasts and understanding of climate change. Brian is best known for producing a theoretical understanding of how atmospheric cold and warm fronts form, and how weather in one region can set up a wave in the atmosphere that affects the weather many thousands of miles away. Keith is probably best known for his pioneering use of radars and also satellites to investigate how mid-latitude storms work, and for leading the research that led to the setting up of a weather radar network for the UK. Brian and Keith said; 'we were really surprised to be included in this group: We have never thought of ourselves as being pioneers! It is a real bonus in meteorology that research that you enjoy doing can quickly move to being useful'.