Scientific Advisory Panel

The Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) is the scientific advisory body of the Organization, providing forward-looking strategic advice on emerging challenges and opportunities related to WMO’s mandate in weather, climate, water and related environmental and social sciences for the purpose of long-term planning.

  • Chair: Stephen Belcher (UK)
  • Vice-Chair: Vacant

Through consultation with the WMO Research Board, Technical Commissions, Regional Associations and other relevant bodies, SAP will:

  1. Develop recommendations to Congress and the Executive Council on scientific and technological matters concerning WMO’s mandate and research strategies based on best-available evidence;
  2. Advise on technological and scientific advancements that could lead to new applications and services related to WMO core activities;
  3. Enhance the global standing and visibility of WMO as a leading scientific organization, driver of innovation and facilitator of international cooperation in the fields of weather, climate, water, ocean and related environmental and social sciences;
  4. Promote science vision, and its downstream trends, across WMO and among its Members; and
  5. Collaborate with the Research Board in joint activities, such as organizing meetings and planning a Science Day at the World Meteorological Congress.

Members

WMO Scientific Advisory Panel Members
 Prof. Richard O. Anyah, United States of America
  Prof. Graciela Metternicht, Australia
 Prof. Stephen Belcher, United Kingdom Dr. Thomas Stocker, Switzerland
 Dr. Gilbert Brunet, AustraliaDr. Mouhamadou Sylla, Rwanda
Ms. Opha Pauline Dube, Botswana    Dr. Vladimir M. Kattsov, Russian Federation
Prof. Toshio Koike, JapanDr. Markku T. Kulmala, Finland

Composition

The Panel shall be composed of up to fifteen independent, leading, internationally recognized experts coming from the fields of weather, climate, water, ocean and related environmental and social sciences, taking into account regional and gender balance and representation of academia, research institutions, the private sector and user communities.

Members will be solicited by an open call for nominations, including self-nominations. A short list of candidates for the SAP shall be prepared by the Secretariat with the Chair of the SAP in consultation with the Chair of the Research Board and the presidents of the Technical Commissions and then presented to the Executive Council for a decision on the appointments. The term of engagement for members shall be four years with the possibility of renewal for a second term of 4 years maximum upon recommendation from the Chair of the SAP and approval by the Executive Council.

A WMO Vice-President shall act as an Executive Council focal point to the SAP to ensure cross-communication by bringing WMO priorities to the SAP and reporting to the Executive Council and WMO President on SAP activities.

Experts from relevant disciplines may be invited to participate in the SAP’s activities on an ad hoc basis as needed.

Members may not serve on the Research Board and the SAP simultaneously. However, the Chair or representative of the Research Board and a representative of the Secretariat shall take part in the SAP meetings.

Working Procedures

The Panel shall select a Chair and a Vice-Chair from its membership. Nominations, including self-nominations, for Chair and Vice-Chair shall be sought from the SAP’s membership and voted on by SAP members. The term of appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chair is four years with the possibility of renewal for a second term. 

The SAP Chair, or their representative, shall participate in meetings and other relevant activities of the Research Board to promote a common understanding and ensure close coordination. 

The SAP reports to Congress every four years and to the Executive Council every second year on innovative elements that could be considered in the development of the WMO Strategic Plan. 

The SAP Chair, or their representative, shall attend appropriate governing and decision bodies of the WMO, as requested, such as the Technical Coordination Committee, the Policy Advisory Committee, the Executive Council and Congress. 

The Panel shall meet in principle once per year and virtually as needed, following the principles for the Organization of face-to-face and virtual sessions as provided in Annex 2 to Decision 15 (EC-76).

Decisions of the SAP require a majority vote. A quorum is defined as 50% of members. Attendance in person or virtually is considered equivalent for these purposes. 

The SAP shall be supported by Secretariat staff in carrying out its activities.