Met Office Chiefs Score Big in New Year Honours
Two top Met Office leaders have bagged major honours for their groundbreaking work in meteorology, defence science, and climate research. The New Year Honours spotlight comes as a massive nod to their leadership and scientific achievements.
Professor Penny Endersby CBE: Breaking Barriers and Leading Innovation
Professor Penny Endersby, the first female Chief Executive of the Met Office, has been awarded a CBE for her stellar services to meteorology, defence science, and technology. Penny’s career spans leading cyber divisions at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to steering the Met Office towards new scientific frontiers.
Rob Woodward, Met Office Chair, praised her as “a wonderful role model for female STEM specialists” who has dedicated her career to impactful public science.
“Leading the Met Office is a joy and a privilege. This honour recognises the tireless work of our talented team who provide vital weather and climate predictions that save lives,” said Professor Endersby.
Under her leadership, the Met Office has ramped up innovation and academic partnerships, pushing the boundaries in weather and climate science. Penny also champions STEM education, diversity, and equality, actively supporting ethnic minority networks and apprenticeship schemes.
Professor Peter Stott MBE: Climate Science Trailblazer and Climate Denial Fighter
Climate superstar Professor Peter Stott has earned an MBE for his services to climate science and international action on climate change. Peter pioneered linking extreme weather events directly to human-driven climate change, first demonstrating the connection with the 2003 European heatwave.
Stephen Belcher, Met Office Chief Scientist, said: “Peter’s event attribution work is crucial. He’s proved beyond doubt that human activities drive climate change.”
“I’m proud this honour recognises my efforts to communicate and research climate change. Working with inspiring teams worldwide and blending arts with science has been a highlight,” said Professor Stott.
Peter has played a key role in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and taken a fearless stand against climate denial. His acclaimed book, Hot Air: The Inside Story of the Battle Against Climate Change Denial, was shortlisted for major literary and science awards. He’s also a passionate mentor, helping young scientists navigate the media spotlight.
Leaders Driving the Future of UK Science
- Penny Endersby: A trailblazer who modernised the Met Office with tech investments, STEM outreach, and global collaborations. Also President of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.
- Peter Stott: A global authority on climate change attribution with over 200 research papers. Active in policy advising and climate science communication worldwide.
These honours celebrate two pioneers shaping the UK’s response to climate and weather challenges through cutting-edge science, leadership, and public engagement.
