Richard Forbes

Principal Scientist
Research Department, Earth System Modelling Section, Physical Processes Group

Summary:

Richard is responsible for the representation of clouds and precipitation in the ECMWF global numerical weather prediction model (the Integrated Forecasting System or IFS). He uses a wide range of observations to evaluate the model, understand physical processes and their interactions, and improve the forecast model. A particular focus is on reducing regime-dependent systematic errors relating to cloud.

Professional interests:
  • Improving numerical weather prediction from days to seasonal timescales
  • Parametrization of cloud and precipitation microphysics and sub-grid processes
  • Using observations for evaluation of atmospheric models
  • Understanding interactions between different atmospheric processes
Career background:
  • 2010-present: Senior Scientist, Research Department, ECMWF
  • 2007-2010: Scientist (Atmospheric Processes), Research Department, ECMWF
  • 2004: Secondment to Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Oslo, Norway
  • 1998-2007: Scientist (Mesoscale and Convective-scale Processes), Joint Centre for Mesoscale Meteorology, Met Office, Reading, UK
  • 1998-2001: PhD (Extra-tropical Cyclones), Dept of Meteorology, University of Reading, UK
  • 1992-1998: Scientist (Ocean Modelling and Data Assimilation), Met Office, Bracknell, UK
External recognitions
  • 2016-present: Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for KIAPS, South Korea
  • 2007-2012: Chair of the Royal Meteorological Society Meetings Committee and Council Member
  • 2003: European Meteorological Society Young Scientist Award
  • 1995: Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society (FRMetS)