Sybren Drijfhout appointed Professor of Climate Dynamics

Buys Ballot Chair

8 October 2015

In response to his nomination by Deltares, the KNMI and the Department of Physics & Astronomy, the Executive Board has approved the appointment of Prof. Sybren Drijfhout to the position of Endowed Professor of Climate Dynamics for one day per week. His chair, the Buys Ballot Chair, is one of the endowed chairs at the Department of Physics & Astronomy, and is a part of the Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (IMAU). Drijfhout is a leading researcher in the field of climate dynamics, and currently also serves as Professor of Physical Oceanography at the University of Southampton and is affiliated with the KNMI. His appointment reinforces Utrecht University’s research into Water, Climate and Ecosystems.

The Buys Ballot Chair is financed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, with the goal of strengthening the research collaboration between the KNMI, IMAU and Deltares. The position was previously occupied by Prof. Bart van den Hurk from the KNMI. Drijfhout’s appointment is for a period of five years.

Water management

“The research conducted by the Buys Ballot Chair relates to changes in sea levels and their consequences for water management”, explains Prof. Drijfhout. “My work will concentrate on the relationship between changing ocean circulation and the spatial distribution of steric sea levels, especially the connection between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.”