Sue Grimmond conducts research on the climate of cities. Through measurements and modelling in cities across the world – of heat, water and carbon dioxide - her research is helping to advance understanding of the fundamental meteorological processes that result in urban warming. This research is also enabling the development of higher resolution weather forecasting for cities.
Working closely with the World Meteorological Organization and national meteorological and hydrological bodies, she has championed the development of Integrated Urban hydrometeorological, climate and environmental Services (IUS): forecasts, indices, and warning systems that enable the development of science-based services to support safe, healthy, resilient and climate-friendly cities.
Sue has received major prizes for her work on urban climates, including the International Association for Urban Climate’s Luke Howard Award in 2009, the Royal Meteorological Society’s Symons Gold Medal in 2020, and the European Meteorological Society’s Silver Medal in 2024. She was the President of the International Association for Urban Climate from 2003–06.
Professional position
- Professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Department of Meteorology, University of Reading
