Ben Santer
About Ben Santer
Ben Santer is a research scientist known for his contributions to climate science, particularly in climate change detection and attribution. He has received numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship and the E.O. Lawrence Award, and has been a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences since 2011.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Ben Santer has been employed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 1992, serving as a Research Scientist. His work primarily focuses on climate science, where he has contributed to significant research initiatives. Over his 32 years at the laboratory, he has engaged in various projects that explore the complexities of climate change and its impacts.
Education and Expertise
Ben Santer earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia, studying from 1973 to 1976. He later pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Climatology at the same institution, completing his studies from 1983 to 1987. His educational background has provided a strong foundation for his expertise in climate science and research methodologies.
Background
Before joining Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Ben Santer worked for five years at the Max-Planck Institute for Meteorology in Germany. During this time, he focused on developing and applying climate fingerprinting methods, which are essential for understanding the human influence on climate change. His early research laid the groundwork for significant findings in climate science.
Achievements
Ben Santer has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 1998 and the U.S. Department of Energy’s E.O. Lawrence Award in 2002. In 2011, he became a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. He also received the Procter Prize in 2019 and the Norbert Gerbier–MUMM International Award in 1998. His contributions to the 1995 IPCC report were pivotal in establishing the 'discernible human influence' conclusion.
Professional Recognition
In recognition of his contributions to the field of climate science, Ben Santer was elected as a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 2011. Additionally, he received a Distinguished Scientist Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research in 2005. His work continues to influence climate research and policy.