Met Office Hero Dr. Matthew Hort Snags OBE for Life-Saving Science
Dr. Matthew Hort, a top Met Office scientist specialising in airborne hazards, has bagged an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours for his groundbreaking work in atmospheric dispersion and emergency response.
Global Expert in Airborne Threats
Hailing from St Albans, Hertfordshire, Dr. Hort has built a stellar career tackling the dangers of airborne hazards like volcanic ash, radiological leaks, industrial accidents, and airborne viruses.
His standout moment? The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption. Flights were grounded across Europe and North America, but Hort and his team worked tirelessly, teaming up with Iceland’s experts and the aviation industry to map volcanic ash spread and create life-saving risk tools.
From Fukushima to COVID: A Career of Crisis Impact
- Fukushima Nuclear Disaster (2011): Hort’s expert advice on radioactive fallout helped the UK government warn citizens and manage risks.
- Grenfell Tower Fire (2017): Provided key atmospheric dispersion insights during the disaster response.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: As part of the Academy of Medical Sciences advisory group, he guided government plans for winter virus waves in 2020-21.
He’s also a named expert on the UK Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and internationally recognised by the World Meteorological Organization for his specialisms.
High Praise and Humble Thanks
“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,” said Professor Simon Vosper, Met Office Director of Science.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Hort said, “I have been incredibly fortunate to work with exceptional people from many organisations. Everything I have achieved has been a team activity, and I am deeply grateful for their expertise and friendship.”
With an engineering background from the University of Surrey, Hort’s passion for tackling real-world air quality and industrial risks has made him a global leader. His OBE cements his role as a vital voice in keeping the public safe from the invisible threats in our atmosphere.
