Professional summary

Research Interests

Harry’s research background is as a hydrologist specialising in the collection and management of hydrological data. He has been involved in projects in the UK and internationally, included work on the use of earth observation satellites for river flow measurement; a cosmic-ray based soil moisture monitoring network; the design of a new flood and runoff monitoring programme; the development of a national flood peak database and raingauge undercatch issues. Much of Harry’s work has focused on international capacity development around water science. This work has included supporting the translation of innovative water monitoring technologies from research into operational use, the development of a new data sharing policy in the Balkans, the modelling of future water resources in India; international collaborations around seasonal hydrological prediction and the delivery of international training programmes.

Brief CV

Harry is UKCEH’s Associate Director of International Research and Development, responsible for leading the development and coordination of UKCEH International activities. Harry is an experienced science leader with track record of delivering large-scale, complex research and operational progammes/projects in the UK and internationally. He has led the development of international multi-disciplinary community knowledge sharing networks, operational delivery national data centres and large research Groups.

Harry has extensive experience engaging with UN and other international organisations on research, policy and capacity development. Harry is the UK’s Hydrological Adviser to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and a member of the WMO Hydrological Coordination Panel. In these roles he helps deliver the WMO’s activities in support of National Hydrological Services and Chairs the Global Hydrometry Support Facility's Advisory Council. Harry is Chair of the UK Committee for International Hydrology (UKCIH), coordinating UK input to the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme of UNESCO.  He works closely with the FCDO, Met Office and UK National Commission for UNESCO and is a Governing Board Member for the University of Dundee's Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science.

Harry is an Honorary Professor in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham. 

Qualifications

  • PhD (Hydrology) The University of Birmingham
  • BSc. (Hons) Geography The University of Birmingham

Work experience

Prior to taking up his current role in June 2022, Harry led UKCEH’s Water Resources Systems Group and was latterly Deputy Science Area Head for Water Resources. This large research group delivered projects in the UK and internationally with specialisms in multi-scale catchment modelling, the creation of key hydrological datasets and information management systems, hydrometric monitoring and programme management. In 2016 Harry co-led the establishment of the India-UK Water Centre on behalf of the UK and Indian Governments to foster long-term partnerships and dialogue between water researchers, water policy-makers and water businesses.

Between 2008 and 2016 much of Harry's work surrounded the UK National River Flow Archive (NRFA). As Head of the NRFA between 2014 and 2016, Harry led improvements in the data centre’s operational activities as the UK’s national focal point for hydrometric data. He oversaw integration of the UK's flood peak dataset into the NRFA. Harry is a member of a British Standards Institution (BSi) Hydrometry Committee (CPI/113) and has experience of leading standards development in the areas of precipitation measurement and hydrometric data management. 

Harry joined CEH in 2007 and has worked in a number of roles related to water science. He has a research background in the assessment of hydrological change and a PhD in hydrology from the University of Birmingham.

Panels, committees and memberships

Publications