CERC Review Panel Biographies- Michel Béland

Dr. Michel Béland obtained his PhD in meteorology at McGill University in atmospheric dynamics and numerical weather prediction. From January 1973 until his retirement in July 2008, he was employed by Environment Canada, where he worked first as a meteorologist, then as a research scientist in predictability and global atmospheric modelling, and later as a research manager, eventually being appointed director general, atmospheric science and technology. He also took on three sabbaticals—two at the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique in Paris, and one as president and director general of CERCA, the centre for research in applied computation. 

He was rehired on a part-time basis by Environment Canada in September 2008, and is currently advisor to the new director general of atmospheric science and technology. Béland’s main task is to fulfill a number of international obligations, the chief one being leadership of the Commission for Atmospheric Sciences of the World Meteorological Organization until November 2013. He is also co-chair of the international joint committee for the 2007-09 International Polar Year, and a past president (1995) of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS). He was recently awarded the Patterson Medal from the Meteorological Service of Canada for distinguished service to meteorology, and is a fellow of CMOS.

Béland’s recent contributions to science have been in environmental prediction, seamless modelling and earth system modelling, focusing on the upstream research and development efforts that will be needed across a number of scientific disciplines in order to develop operational products and services.