Bureau chief scientist to lead new international scientific think-tank

23/07/2020

The Bureau of Meteorology's Chief Scientist and Group Executive of Science and Innovation Dr Gilbert Brunet is the first chair of a new Scientific Advisory Panel for the World Meteorological Organization.

The Scientific Advisory Panel is the first of its kind and comprises 15 eminent international experts. It will act as a think tank, guiding the WMO Executive and Congress on matters of weather, water and climate science and research, with a focus on bringing research and operations specialists together.

Bureau of Meteorology CEO and Australia's Permanent Representative to the WMO, Dr Andrew Johnson, said the appointment was a clear indication of the high regard in which Dr Brunet is held in the global science community.

"Dr Brunet brings experience from a number of national meteorological agencies including the UK Met Office, Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Bureau of Meteorology, and his appointment as chair speaks volumes as to his global standing.

"As a Member of the WMO Executive Council, I congratulate Dr Brunet on his appointment and look forward to the advice that this new panel will provide," Dr Johnson said.

Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, welcomed the appointment of an Australian scientist as the inaugural chair of the advisory panel.

"Dr Brunet’s appointment to this role with the World Meteorological Organization underlines the high calibre of scientists in Australian institutions such as the Bureau,” Minister Ley Said.

“We are investing in world leading, weather, climate and environmental research and I congratulate Dr Brunet on his appointment.”

Dr Brunet said he was delighted and honoured to be appointed and looked forward to the challenge of guiding the WMO on science and research matters.

"The weather affects everyone, no matter where you are in the world, so it's important we are focused on how we can deliver the very best weather and climate services and products in the future," Dr Brunet said.

"This new panel will provide guidance on research strategies as well as the new scientific directions for the coming decades.

"I am confident this new panel will also deliver great outcomes for Australia and support the Bureau of Meteorology to continue to increase the positive impact and value that it has for the community and Australian industry."

Further details on the Scientific Advisory Panel can be found on the WMO website.

DR GILBERT BRUNET BIO

Dr Gilbert Brunet joined the Bureau in 2018 as Chief Scientist and Group Executive, Science and Innovation. As Chief Scientist, Gilbert promotes Science and Innovation within the Bureau and advocates the Bureau's science and innovation to the wider community.

Dr Brunet obtained his PhD in meteorology at McGill University in 1989 and throughout his professional career has held leadership positions at a number of national meteorological agencies, including the Director of the Meteorological Research Division at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Director of Weather Science at the UK Met Office.

During his time at ECCC, Dr Brunet oversaw the development and operational implementation of environmental prediction systems, that are considered by many national and international observers to be amongst the best in the world. He has also held positions with a number of international scientific bodies and has been a leader in developing dialogue between climate and weather scientists and political, economic and social stakeholders, in response to today’s and future societal priorities for environmental information and services.