Q&A with Dr Iestyn Woolway
Read our interview with 2024 Gill Memorial Award recipient, Dr Iestyn Woolway.
Dr Iestyn Woolway, from Bangor University in the UK, is known and celebrated for his research on the physical interactions between climate and water. Through the use of state-of-the-art techniques he developed, Iestyn tries to answer key questions that relate to climate change.
I envision a world where my efforts have helped pave the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.Dr Iestyn Woolway
What role do you do now and how would you describe your work?
"I'm a NERC Independent Research Fellow at Bangor University in Wales. My research focuses on climate change impact assessment, with much of my time dedicated to the study of global environmental change. I develop state-of-the-art techniques, including the use of AI for integrating field-based observations with satellite data and model simulations, to answer key questions that relate to climate change. My research provides insights into how climate change will impact the environment providing roadmaps to resource managers tasked with accounting for ecosystem climate vulnerability in conservation and management decision-making."
What projects are you working on right now?
"Currently, I'm involved in diverse research projects spanning climate impacts, transportation, and Earth observation. I'm co-investigating an ethnoclimatology study of Arctic climate risks, examining international climate-changed transportation, and analysing Greenland ice marginal lake evolution and their impact on the Greenland Ice Sheet. Also, I'm contributing to the UK Earth Observation Climate Information Service and studying extreme events in lake ecosystems. These projects aim to deepen our understanding of climate dynamics and inform effective mitigation and adaptation strategies."
What are you looking forward to in the future? What’s next?
"I believe that future advancements in Earth observation hold significant promise for environmental research. Enhanced spatial and temporal resolutions will enable researchers to acquire data with unprecedented granularity, leading to a deeper understanding of planetary processes. Furthermore, the integration of AI presents exciting opportunities to streamline data analysis and uncover previously hidden patterns within environmental datasets.
"The most transformative development may lie in the field of quantum computing. Its potential to accelerate the discovery of innovative solutions, coupled with advancements in digital technologies, has the potential to significantly expedite progress in mitigating climate change. I believe that these emerging technologies offer a pathway towards a new era characterised by the development of sustainable solutions and data-driven decision-making."
What is one thing you wish you had learned earlier in your career?
"Networking has been crucial for my development at a scientist. My advice to others would be to build connections with individuals from both within your discipline and across diverse backgrounds. Engage with professionals who offer unique insights and approaches. This diversity fosters creativity and opens doors to collaborative opportunities. Embrace interdisciplinary interactions, as they often lead to innovative solutions. Remember, the richness of your network can greatly enhance your growth and impact in the field. So, be proactive and cultivate relationships with a wide array of individuals to broaden your horizons."
What legacy do you hope you’ll leave?
"I aspire to leave a legacy of positive impact in the realm of environmental research and sustainability. Through my work, I hope to unravel the intricate dynamics of Earth's ecosystems. By fostering collaborations, promoting interdisciplinary approaches, and leveraging emerging technologies, I aim to spearhead the development of innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. Ultimately, I envision a world where my efforts have helped pave the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come."
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