A Regius appointment: recognition of world-leading research
Professor Hannah Cloke OBE has been named Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate at the University of Reading, a rare royal honour that marks her as a global leader in hydrology, meteorology and disaster risk reduction.
This appointment not only recognises her outstanding scientific contributions but also highlights the University of Reading’s continued commitment to translating research into real-world impact, especially in the areas of floods, climate extremes and hazard early warning systems.
This is a landmark career milestone for one of the field’s most influential voices and a signal to policymakers, practitioners and communities that cutting-edge climate science can drive practical resilience.
The role is historically significant and Reading now has the second holder of its sole Regius Professorship, underscoring the university’s long-standing position at the forefront of atmospheric and environmental research.
Profile: Hannah Cloke and research footprint
Hannah Cloke joined the University of Reading in 2012 and has since become an internationally renowned expert in hydrology and meteorology, with a sustained focus on floods, climate extremes, and disaster risk reduction.
Her work spans the development of practical forecasting tools and hazard warning systems that help communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather.
She is also a Research Fellow at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), contributing to both academic inquiry and operational forecasting.
Cloke’s translational impact is evident in her collaborations with key operational partners to ensure research delivers tangible benefits.
She has helped shape flood forecasts and heat-hazard warnings that inform local planning and emergency response.
In 2019 she was recognized with an OBE for services to flood forecasting and hazard early warning systems, a testament to the real-world utility of her science.
Her supervision of a large and diverse cohort of PhD researchers, combined with close partnerships with major institutions, positions her at the nexus of academia, government, and international humanitarian work.
The following partners are central to transforming theory into practice:
- Met Office
- Environment Agency
- ECMWF
- Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement
Public engagement, keynote, and climate communication
The appointment is complemented by an upcoming public keynote in Reading on 15 June titled The climate futures we dare to imagine.
In this talk, Cloke will explore what is happening to weather and climate, the local implications for towns like Reading, and how science can empower communities to adapt and prepare.
The event, part of the Reading Climate Festival, will feature a panel discussion and audience Q&A, reflecting her commitment to accessible, policy-relevant science communication.
Cloke is widely recognized as a prominent public communicator on climate, flooding and environmental risk.
Her experience advising broadcasters, governments, filmmakers and institutions such as the Science Museum demonstrates a rare ability to translate complex science into practical understanding.
The University of Reading highlights this skill as essential for helping communities navigate and respond to extreme weather and climate variability.
Impact, legacy, and what it means for the field
As the new Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate, Cloke is positioned to amplify the translation of high-impact climate research into policy, planning and community resilience.
Her work integrates hydrology, meteorology and disaster risk reduction with strong ties to operational forecasting and humanitarian action.
This combination ensures that scientific advances lead to actionable guidance for towns, regions and nations facing evolving climate risks.
Takeaway for researchers, practitioners and the public: Cloke’s appointment signals a continued push toward climate-informed decision-making and enhanced hazard early warning capabilities.
It also encourages more robust collaboration across academic, governmental and non-governmental sectors.
Here is the source article for this story: New Regius Professor puts people at heart of climate debate