David Grimes

A Brock alumnus has been named the head of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a scientific body that researches climate issues.

David Grimes (BSc ’75), a career meteorologist, has been named president of the United Nations agency. The WMO shapes the world’s agenda for research and services related to climate change, weather and water issues. Its membership includes 188 countries and territories.

Grimes was elected during the 16th World Meteorological Congress in Geneva today. He will start his four-year term on June 6.

“I am honoured to have been elected by my colleagues,” Grimes said in a media release. “It will be a privilege to serve the international meteorological and hydrological communities in this capacity, particularly starting this year as Canada’s meteorological service celebrates 140 years of service.”

He studied mathematics, nuclear and quantum physics at Brock. He has been the head of Environment Canada’s Meteorological Service since July 2006.

Achievements like Grimes’ are a boost to the University, said Rick Cheel, Interim Dean of Mathematics and Science.

“When you see people like David, who have gone on to become world leaders in their fields, it just goes to show where a Brock degree can take you,” he said. “There are no limits.”

The WMO calls itself “the official United Nations authoritative voice on weather, climate and water.”