Ian Allison | |
---|---|
Born | Ian Frederick Allison |
Nationality | Australian |
Alma mater | University of Melbourne |
Known for | Work on the global climate system |
Awards | Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Officer of the Order of Australia |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Glaciologist |
Institutions | Australian Antarctic Division |
Ian Frederick Allison AO AAM FAA is an internationally recognised Australian glaciologist and climate scientist.[1][2][3] He was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2016 in recognition of his work in understanding the role of "sea ice and Antarctica in the global climate system".[4][5]
Allison received his MSc and PhD both in Meteorology from the University of Melbourne in 1970 and 1987 respectively.
He worked at the Australian Antarctic Division for 42 years.[4] His research focuses on the global climate system and in particular the role of Antarctica in the world's climate.[4][6] His research spans disciplines including ice shelf-ocean interaction, meteorology, glaciology and oceanography.[4] Allison led or participated in 25 expeditions to Antarctica,[4] and during this time he conducted foundational research on Antarctic sea ice.[5] His research documented the seasonal change in sea ice driven by its interaction with the water column and the atmosphere.[5]
Allison was a lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Second, Fourth and Fifth Assessment Reports.[7] He also co-chaired the Joint Committee for the International Polar Year 2007-2008.[8]
Allison was awarded the Australian Antarctic Medal in 1988,[9] was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 "For distinguished service to the environment as a glaciologist, to furthering international understanding of the science of the Antarctic region, and to climate research"[10] and was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2016.[5] He was awarded Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year in 2016.[11]
Allison Glacier on the west side of Heard Island is named in his honour.[11]