Professor Hannah Christensen has been awarded the International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS) Early Career Scientist Medal for 2025. The medal recognises Professor Christensen’s work in studying the role of uncertain small-scale processes on weather, seasonal and climate timescales; by combining this understanding with her expertise in numerical modelling, she has successfully developed parametrisation schemes for weather and climate models. These model intercomparisons have produced high impact outcomes.
Professor Christensen’s research demonstrates breadth, innovation, and impact and she has explored uncertainty representation in both climate and weather forecasts. Her studies span a wide spectrum of modelling approaches, from idealised models to complex Earth system models and she has made substantial contributions to the scientific community through leadership and mentorship.
Professor Christensen also leads the Model Uncertainty Model Intercomparison Project (MU-MIP) under the World Weather Research and World Climate Research Programs, facilitating international collaboration to address key challenges in uncertainty representation.
‘I am really honoured to have been selected for this award,’ comments Professor Christensen. ‘I would like to recognise in turn the many inspiring people I have been fortunate enough to work with, both past and present, whose hard work is also reflected in this award.’
‘I am delighted that Hannah has been recognised with this award,’ comments Professor Andrew Boothroyd, Head of Department. ‘She is constantly pushing the boundaries in her research and she is an inspirational role model to others. Congratulations!’