Leeds climate researcher named Future Leader
One of Leeds’ most promising research leaders has earned a national fellowship to advance his work aimed at tackling global challenges.
Dr C. Scott Watson has received a Future Leaders Fellowship, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which enables universities and businesses to develop the next generation of world-class researchers and innovators.
Scott will lead the project ‘Glacial Lake Observatory for Flood Hazards Impacted by Changing Climate’ in the School of Geography.
As glaciers disappear, thousands of glacial lakes are forming. Yet their location in high-altitude and logistically challenging environments means observations are sparse, including essential measurements of water storage and potential hazard.
Glacial lake monitoring
This fellowship will investigate lake development processes and glacier-related flood hazards to enhance disaster preparedness and increase water security across High-Mountain Asia. The project will integrate satellite data, numerical modelling, and fieldwork to provide the foundations for systematic and open access glacial lake monitoring.
Scott said: “This project will transform how we understand and prepare for glacial lake evolution and flood risk, and how we predict future water availability in high mountain environments.
“The Future Leaders Fellowship gives me a fantastic opportunity to develop a global Glacial Lake Observatory, that will underpin a new era of collaborative glacial lake research by removing barriers to data access and knowledge exchange.
“I will be supported to lead a team to address this global challenge and work with a breadth of project partners to maximise the benefits of our research.”
Recognising talent
A second Leeds researcher was also awarded the accolade. Dr Jade French from the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies leads the project ‘Inclusive Art for Wicked Problems’.
Scott and Jade are among 68 individuals awarded fellowships this month, with total funding of £104 million. This takes the total number of Future Leaders at Leeds to 23.
Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “These richly deserved Fellowships will underpin the pioneering and vital projects being led by Jade and Scott.
“Their work serves to underline the incredible talent we have within our University research community, which is helping to address some of the biggest challenges faced by the planet and its people.
“With the backing of these Future Leaders Fellowships, we look forward to seeing Jade and Scott realise the full potential of their projects and demonstrate the very best in UK research and innovation.”
Further information
For additional information contact Richard Abbott in the University of Leeds press office.