New Director for the Walker Institute

Tuesday, 01 September 2015

Dr Ros Cornforth has been appointed as Director of the Walker Institute with effect from 1 September 2015. Ros will further develop the national and international reputation of the Walker Institute as a centre of inter-disciplinary excellence relating to dynamics of the global climate system and its impact on environment, food, health and society.

Ros’ expertise, energy and commitment have already earned her success in bringing together research teams across a range of disciplines from physical climate science to politics and governance. Her extensive networking activities with policymakers, communities and international organisations also mean she has developed excellent external links. This background gives Ros a unique opportunity to develop the Institute’s portfolio of inter-disciplinary, user-orientated research as well as collaborate widely with stakeholders to help build a climate resilient future.

Professor Steven Mithen, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that Ros has been appointed as the new Director. During the last decade she has made a huge contribution to climate research and knowledge exchange, becoming influential in a large number of international networks and organisations.  She presented the appointment panel with a bold new vision for the Walker Institute, building on its foundations to expand its inter-disciplinary activities and international scope.’

Dr Cornforth said: ‘This is an exciting new chapter for research and innovation at Reading and I am thrilled by the opportunity to further develop The Walker Institute as a centre of inter-disciplinary excellence. We are very well placed to rapidly translate important new advances and deliver a programme of inter-disciplinary work that is important in terms of the practical future of the world. I believe that the knowledge and networks established through my work with the Africa Climate Exchange provide a solid base in ensuring The Walker Institute achieves its goals, and I hope that the promise of what can be achieved, will excite our academic community too.’

Ros undertook her PhD in Meteorology at the University of Reading, and has held a number of research positions within the NERC funded National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS). Her research has focussed on African rainfall, knowledge exchange, decision making and the development of user-oriented knowledge and information systems. Her current appointments as Director of the Africa Climate Exchange (AfClix) and consultant for the DfID Africa Regional Team will be encompassed within her new role as Director of the Walker Institute, providing the basis for expanding the Africa-related activities of the Walker Institute.