Hayley J. Fowler

Professor of Climate Change Impacts, Newcastle University
I am Professor of Climate Change Impacts in the Centre for Earth Systems Engineering Research, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Newcastle University, where I have worked since 2001. I held a NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from 2006-2010 and won a Philip Leverhulme Award in 2011 and an ERC Consolidators Grant in 2014.

My research transcends scientific analysis and modelling and its application to climate change impacts analysis and social outcomes; combining cutting-edge science with societal needs. I am dedicated to observing and understanding changes in our planet’s climate and their effects on hydrology, particularly extremes, and to provide tools for adaptation. My research fits into five main themes:
(a) Impacts of climate variability and change on water resource systems
(b) Modelling and analysis of current and future extremes of rainfall causing droughts and floods
(c) Evidence of climate change in the Himalayan region (Indus Basin)
(d) Climate model validation, downscaling techniques and uncertainty
(e) Changes in short duration extreme rainfall events and their relationship to large and local scale drivers.

Since 2004, I have been Principal Investigator on projects worth ~£4M, and Co-Investigator on projects worth ~£1.7M). I also lead the Global Energy and Water Exchanges (GEWEX) Hydroclimate Panel precipitation cross-cut project, co-chaired the IMAGe Theme of the Year 2012 on “Uncertainty in Climate Change Research: An Integrated Approach” at NCAR, US, and I am a Core Member of Panel C for the NERC Peer Review College. I am also an Associate Editor of Frontiers in Interdisciplinary Climate Studies, and PLOS ONE and a member of the International Advisory Board of WIRES Water.

I believe in the need to disseminate research results to a broad audience. I have published over 55 journal articles since 2000, across a wide range of subject areas, with many more submitted or in press. I also give public lectures, chairs 6th form debates, speak with the TV or print media, and I am dedicated to the public understanding and use of scientific information. In particular I gave the British Science Association Joseph Lister Award Lecture (2012/2013) and I am one of Newcastle University’s champions of engagement.