Dr Gauntlett has made an outstanding contribution to Australian and international meteorological science and technology since the 1960's.

Along with a small number of colleagues, he pioneered the development and operational implementation of numerical weather prediction in Australia. He subsequently headed an internationally acclaimed numerical meteorology research centre and, as deputy director (research and systems) of the bureau of meteorology since 1983, has managed a major program of re-equipment and technological modernisation of the national meteorological infrastructure.

He has written and published widely and has played a key leadership role in international atmospheric science which was recognised by his election as vice president (1986-90) and president (1990-) of the 160- nation world meteorological organization's commission for atmospheric sciences.