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."
