Professor Sir Brian Hoskins stands as a preeminent figure in atmospheric science with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. He currently holds the position of Emeritus Professor of Meteorology at the University of Reading, where he has been a faculty member since 1971 and served as Professor of Meteorology from 1981 onward. Educated at the University of Cambridge, he earned his B.A. with First Class Honors in 1966 and completed his PhD in mathematics in 1970. His academic journey progressed from Reader in Atmospheric Modelling from 1976 to 1981 to full Professor, during which time he also led the Department of Meteorology from 1990 to 1996. His foundational work has positioned him as one of the most influential meteorologists of his generation.
Sir Brian's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and extreme weather events. He co-formulated the Rodwell-Hoskins mechanism in 1996, a seminal hypothesis explaining the climatic teleconnection between the Indian Asian summer monsoon and Mediterranean climate patterns. His extensive work on the Hadley Cell, temperature variability, and annual climate cycles has provided critical frameworks for modern meteorological prediction. The Japan Prize Foundation recognized his lifetime achievements in 2024, awarding him the prestigious Japan Prize alongside Professor John Michael Wallace for Establishment of a scientific foundation for understanding and predicting extreme weather events. This work has become indispensable for climate modeling and has influenced both scientific understanding and policy decisions regarding climate change adaptation.
Beyond his research contributions, Professor Hoskins has shaped the global meteorological community through numerous leadership roles and institutional initiatives. He served as President of the Royal Meteorological Society from 1998 to 2000 and President of the International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences from 1991 to 1995, significantly influencing the direction of atmospheric science worldwide. As the first Director of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at Imperial College London from 2008 to 2014, he helped establish one of the world's leading climate research centers. His continued service as a Royal Society council member and advisor to governmental bodies demonstrates his enduring commitment to translating scientific understanding into practical climate solutions. Today his emeritus status belies an ongoing active research program that continues to inform critical discussions about climate resilience and extreme weather prediction in an era of accelerating climate change.
