We are delighted to announce that Professor Gabi Hegerl, Professor of Climate System Science in the School of GeoSciences, is being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her services to climate science. Professor Gabi Hegerl Professor Hegerl is internationally recognised for her pioneering research into the causes of climate change. Her work focuses on linking climate models with real-world observations to better understand how and why the climate is changing. She investigates extreme weather events, assesses how much the climate has already changed due to human activity, and uses evidence from past climates to understand how the Earth’s climate has varied over the last thousand yeas and what that means for the future.Professor Hegerl has also played a central role in the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). She served as coordinating lead author on key chapters in multiple assessment reports, helping to shape global understanding of how observed climate change is linked to human activity. Her leadership has strengthened confidence among policymakers and the public in the science of climate change, and continues to influence how the IPCC frames critical questions about future warming, extreme weather, and long-term climate risks. In 2007, her contributions to the IPCC were jointly recognised as part of the Nobel Peace Prize, which the Panel shared with Al Gore.On receiving the honour Professor Hegerl said: It is wonderful that climate science is recognized in this way, and also to receive this honour as an immigrant. Scotland has offered me opportunities in science but also is a wonderful home and a place of community and friendships. Thanks to all my colleagues who contributed to this work directly or in so many great conversations! Professor Gabi Hegerl Professor of Climate System Science Publication date 16 Jun, 2025
