Professor Kevin Horsburgh

Professor Kevin Horsburgh is the Chief Scientist for International Development at the UK National Oceanography Centre. He leads large, multi-agency projects that use marine science to support sustainable economic development in every corner of the world (currently in 22 countries) ensuring the coherent delivery of excellent science leading to development outcomes. This includes significant activity in the areas of sea level measurement and hazard warning, habitat mapping, and modelling the impacts of climate change. Kevin is a global authority on the physics and impacts of storm surges and the implications of climate change on extreme sea levels. He has published extensively on all aspects of extreme sea levels including tides, waves, storm surges and tsunamis, and has shaped international agendas around sea level issues and coastal observing systems. His work has a strong focus on policy and socio-economic impact. Between 2010 and 2019, Kevin Chaired an international Expert Team on Disaster Risk Reduction, delivering coastal flood warning systems and capability to the world’s most vulnerable regions.