Climate scientist elected to Royal Society

Professor Hayley Fowler, a Newcastle University academic and one of the world’s leading climate change researchers, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of her pioneering work on climate change impacts.

Professor Fowler, who is professor of climate change impacts in Newcastle University’s School of Engineering and director of its Centre for Climate and Environmental Resilience, is among more than 90 researchers from around the world elected to the Fellowship this year.

Her research has transformed understanding of how climate change is affecting extreme weather, rainfall patterns, flooding and drought, while helping to develop high-resolution climate projections that support adaptation planning and decision-making.

She has also played a leading role in developing techniques that make climate information more accessible and useful for policymakers, organisations and communities.

Professor Fowler said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, particularly as a woman in science as we are still significantly under-represented among the membership. 

“Of course, this great honour could not have been achieved without the brilliant young scientists and engineers in my research group, and my former postdocs and PhD students, and many collaborators around the world. 

“Together, we will keep on striving to improve forecasts of extreme weather and information for climate adaptation so we can save lives and livelihoods in our rapidly warming climate.”

A member of the UK’s Climate Change Committee and a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, Professor Fowler was awarded a Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowship in 2025 to tackle the growing risks posed by extreme weather.

The Fellowship is one of the highest honours in science, with past members including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

Professor Chris Day, vice-chancellor and president at Newcastle University, added: “Professor Hayley Fowler’s election as a Fellow of the Royal Society is a richly deserved recognition of her world-leading contribution to climate science. 

“Her pioneering research into extreme weather, flooding and climate resilience, is helping us to better understand and tackle of some of the most urgent challenges facing communities around the world. 

“Her work showcases the global impact Newcastle University’s research, and we are incredibly proud of her outstanding achievement.”

Sir Paul Nurse, president of the Royal Society, added: “I am delighted to welcome this newest group of exceptional scientists to the Fellowship of the Royal Society.

“Their contributions reflect the highest standards of scientific endeavour. 

“Whether advancing our understanding of vaccines or exploring the transformative potential of mathematics and computation, their work exemplifies the enduring value of curiosity, creativity and rigorous inquiry.

“Our Fellowship is strengthened not only by individual distinction, but by the diversity of perspectives and experiences its members bring. 

“This incoming cohort highlights the truly international character of contemporary science and underscores the vital role that plays in achieving breakthroughs that benefit us all.”

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