Scientific Advisory Panel

The Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) is the scientific advisory body of the Organization, providing forward-looking strategic advice on emerging challenges and opportunities related to WMO’s mandate in weather, climate, water and related environmental and social sciences for the purpose of long-term planning.

• Chair: Stephen Belcher (UK)
• Vice-Chair: Vacant

Through consultation with the WMO Research Board, Technical Commissions, Regional Associations and other relevant bodies, SAP will:

1. Develop recommendations to Congress and the Executive Council on scientific and technological matters concerning WMO’s mandate and research strategies based on best-available evidence;
2. Advise on technological and scientific advancements that could lead to new applications and services related to WMO core activities;
3. Enhance the global standing and visibility of WMO as a leading scientific organization, driver of innovation and facilitator of international cooperation in the fields of weather, climate, water, ocean and related environmental and social sciences;
4. Promote science vision, and its downstream trends, across WMO and among its Members; and
5. Collaborate with the Research Board in joint activities, such as organizing meetings and planning a Science Day at the World Meteorological Congress.

Members

Composition

The Panel shall be composed of up to fifteen independent, leading, internationally recognized experts coming from the fields of weather, climate, water, ocean and related environmental and social sciences, taking into account regional and gender balance and representation of academia, research institutions, the private sector and user communities.

Members will be solicited by an open call for nominations, including self-nominations. The Secretariat shall prepare a short list of candidates for the SAP with the Chair of the SAP in consultation with the Chair of the Research Board and the presidents of the Technical Commissions and then presented to the Executive Council for a decision on the appointments. The term of engagement for members shall be four years with the possibility of renewal for a second term of 4 years maximum upon recommendation from the Chair of the SAP and approval by the Executive Council.

A WMO Vice-President shall act as an Executive Council focal point to the SAP to ensure cross-communication by bringing WMO priorities to the SAP and reporting to the Executive Council and WMO President on SAP activities.

Experts from relevant disciplines may be invited to participate in the SAP’s activities on an ad hoc basis as needed.

Members may not serve on the Research Board and the SAP simultaneously. However, the Chair or representative of the Research Board and a representative of the Secretariat shall take part in the SAP meetings.

The Panel shall select a Chair and a Vice-Chair from its membership. Nominations, including self-nominations, for Chair and Vice-Chair shall be sought from the SAP’s membership and voted on by SAP members. The term of appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chair is four years with the possibility of renewal for a second term.

In case the Vice-Chair resigns or is not able to carry out the functions of the office, a replacement should be arranged as soon as possible to serve as acting Vice-Chair for a period not exceeding the remainder of the term of office of the Vice-Chair. Nominations, including self-nominations, for acting Vice-Chair shall be sought from SAP membership and voted on by SAP members.

Working Procedures

SAP shall apply rules of procedure defined in the Rules of Procedure for the Executive Council and the Bodies Reporting to the EC (WMO-No. 1256).


More information: Scientific Advisory Panel on the community platform.