World air pollution authority retires after glittering career

An Edinburgh-based world authority on air pollution has retired after a 42-year career at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Professor David Fowler, who led research on air pollution issues including acid rain, ground level ozone and sources of greenhouse gases, has seen his research into atmospheric pollution published in more than 250 peer reviewed papers.

He became a Professor of Environmental Science at Nottingham University in 1991 with special research interests in land-atmosphere exchange of trace gases and aerosols, ground level ozone, and long-range deposition and effects of pollutants in Europe.

His advancement in understanding of the global biogeochemical cycles for nitrogen, carbon and sulphur was recognised when he was awarded the CBE for his research into atmospheric pollution.

Professor Fowler has also been recognised by the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) when he was awarded the highest level of Individual Merit Promotion given to scientists working for the organisation.

Professor Mark Bailey, Director of the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: “His contribution to CEH, NERC and the international science base is exceptional and too large to articulate in these few words of thanks.

“We worked closely together from about 2003 when we became Directors and members of the CEH Executive board. David brought balance and rigour to the many discussions. Decisive and always insightful, but matched with a great sense of humour and a highly competitive nature!

“His argument was always based on sound logic and the simple objective of scientific excellence. He is an exceptional scientist and a highly valued colleague.”