Dr Elizabeth Ebert FTSE
Senior Principal Research Scientist and Head, Forecast Quality Research, Bureau of Meteorology (VIC)
Dr Elizabeth Ebert is a meteorologist with extensive experience working in governments. She holds a science leadership role in the World Meteorological Organization and has had considerable influence on international research in high impact weather.
Beth’s integration of physical and social science has enhanced extreme weather prediction improving impact management. For example, Melbourne’s 2016 asthma-causing thunderstorm overwhelmed emergency services. Ten people died. Within a year, Beth and her colleagues delivered a world-first forecasting system for epidemic thunderstorm asthma. Outcomes are demonstrably better as early warnings alert the public and help health authorities prepare.
Beth’s methodologies for verification of forecast performance have been adopted internationally. Her work also enabled rainfall probability to be included in forecasts. She is a highly collaborative mentor to many younger scientists.