A new award created by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) will be named after Warren Washington, a pioneer in the development of computer models of Earth’s climate.
The Warren Washington Research and Leadership Medal will be awarded to individuals “recognized for the combination of highly significant research and distinguished scientific leadership in the atmospheric and related sciences”, the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) said in a press release.
Washington is an international expert in atmospheric science and climate research, with a specialist in computer modeling of Earth’s climate.
Alongside Akira Kasahara, Washington was one of the developers of ground-breaking atmospheric computer models when he joined NCAR – where he still works – in the early 1960s. The models have since become integral to meteorology, helping scientists understand Earth’s climate and climate change.
Engaged in research for over 50 years, Washington has also given advice, testimony, and lectures on global climate change and his books on climate modeling are standard references for researchers working in the field.
Washington, who served as a science advisor to four US presidents, said, “I am so grateful that an organization as esteemed as the AMS has named a medal for me… I look forward to this award being bestowed in future years upon preeminent researchers who help society through their research and leadership.”
The Washington award is the second award in honor of a living scientist created by the AMS in the past month. The other award was named after Syukuro Manabe, a NOAA scientist who conducted landmark research into the influence of the oceans on the global climate system.