Rowan Sutton appointed Research Dean (Environment) ​

Rowan is currently undertaking the role of Director of Climate Science in the UK National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS).  He will be continuing NCAS alongside his new University role.

The process to recruit another 0.5 FTE for the Research Dean (Environment) role will be initiated soon and will be advertised to internal candidates only in the first instance.

Professor Rowan Sutton joined the University of Reading in 1997. Between 2001-9 he a held Royal Society University Research Fellowship, and between 2007-9 he served as Climate System Theme Leader for NERC. He has been a member of NERC Science Board (2016-19) and has held a range of roles for NCAS including, since 2018, Director of Climate Science.

His research focuses on ocean-atmosphere interaction, climate variability and change, predictability, prediction and risk assessment. He was Principal Investigator of the multi-centre North Atlantic Climate System Integrated Study (ACSIS) Programme (2016-22). His current roles include Chair of the Met Office Hadley Science Review Group and member of the scientific steering committee of the UK Climate Resilience Programme.

As Research Dean, he will work with the Pro-Vice-Chancellors (Research and Innovation) and other members of the University Committee for Research and Innovation (UCRI) to provide leadership and management for research.

Professor Dominik Zaum said, “I am delighted that Rowan is joining the Research leadership team. His research and leadership in climate science both nationally and internationally will complement and enhance the existing expertise in the team, and I look forward to working closely with him in further strengthening the quality, reach and visibility of our environmental research”.

Professor Rowan Sutton said, "I am excited to be taking up this new opportunity as Research Dean (Environment).  It is no exaggeration to say that we are living through a climate, biodiversity and wider environmental emergency.  There are huge and urgent needs for solutions that will enhance resilience, enable adaptation and return society to a more sustainable pathway.  I believe the University of Reading can play a globally important role in helping to meet these needs, building on our many strengths.  I look forward to working with colleagues across the University to realise our collective potential."