Board Member

Prof. Jürg Luterbacher is a globally recognized climate scientist and leader in interdisciplinary environmental research. He is currently Professor at the Justus Liebig University Giessen, responsible for research on Climate Change, Climatology, and Climate Dynamics. Previously, as Director of Science and Innovation and Chief Scientist at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), he led the Secretariat with responsibility for the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP), and the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW), and was responsible for implementing the WMO’s long-term scientific strategy “Advance Targeted Research” as well as advancing the WMO Earth System approach. Prof. Luterbacher currently coordinates the Horizon Europe project MedEWSa (www.medewsa.eu), a consortium of 29 partners from 15 countries that develops an AI-enhanced, impact-based multi-hazard early warning and decision-support system for Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa to support first responders with real-time forecasts, risk tools, and community engagement.

As a trusted previous elected member of the Scientific Advisory Board to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and currently a member of Scientific Advisory Boards, he provides strategic guidance at the interface of science, policy, and practical implementation. Prof. Luterbacher drives global collaboration, capacity building, and science-policy engagement to foster innovation and strengthen resilience, advancing sustainable solutions for water and climate challenges worldwide. He has published more than 220 peer-reviewed articles and has served as a lead author for the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5).  He holds a Diploma in Geography, PhD, and Habilitation with specialisation in Climate Sciences from the University of Bern, Switzerland.