Dr. Matthew Hort, a Principal Fellow at the Met Office specializing in airborne hazards, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for his outstanding contributions to atmospheric dispersion science and emergency response.
A Global Leader in Atmospheric Science
Dr. Hort, originally from St Albans, Hertfordshire, has dedicated his career to understanding the dispersion of airborne hazards and their potential impact. His expertise is sought after globally for addressing risks associated with radiological hazards, volcanic eruptions, industrial accidents, airborne diseases, and air quality concerns.
One of his most notable achievements was his work during the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, which disrupted flights across northwestern Europe and North America. Dr. Hort and his team worked around the clock to model and communicate the dispersion of volcanic ash, collaborating with experts from Iceland, the British Geological Survey, and the aviation industry to create new risk frameworks and decision-making tools.
A Career of Critical Contributions
Dr. Hort’s work has extended far beyond volcanic ash. His contributions include:
- Fukushima Nuclear Incident (2011): Provided expert advice on the atmospheric dispersion of radionuclides, enabling the UK Government to advise citizens on potential risks.
- Grenfell Tower Disaster (2017): Supported response efforts with atmospheric dispersion expertise.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: As an invited member of the Academy of Medical Sciences expert advisory group, he advised the UK Government on preparations for a potential new coronavirus wave during winter 2020/21.
Dr. Hort also serves as a named expert for dispersion hazards on the UK Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and is recognized internationally by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for his expertise in volcanic ash and radiological hazards.
Recognition of Excellence
Professor Simon Vosper, Met Office Director of Science, praised Dr. Hort’s contributions:
“Matthew has pioneered the use of atmospheric dispersion science to inform government decision-making. His responsiveness and proactive engagement in times of need set him apart, bridging the gap between science and policy.”
A Passion for Collaboration
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Hort emphasized the importance of teamwork in his achievements:
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work with exceptional people from many organizations. Everything I have achieved has been a team activity, and I am deeply grateful for their expertise and friendship.”
Dr. Hort originally trained as an engineer at the University of Surrey and developed an interest in atmospheric dispersion related to industrial facilities and air quality. His career has since spanned some of the most pressing global challenges, making him a leading figure in his field.
Dr. Hort’s recognition in the New Year Honours List highlights the critical role of science in addressing complex global issues and ensuring public safety.
