Project Description

We are pleased to announce that Professor Mathias W. Rotach of the University of Innsbruck has been selected as the recipient of the 4th Sergej Zilitinkevich Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of boundary-layer meteorology.
Professor Rotach, based in the Department of Atmospheric and Cryospheric Sciences, is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on atmospheric boundary layer processes over complex terrains, including urban and mountainous environments. His work uniquely integrates theoretical development, observational campaigns, and numerical modeling, advancing both fundamental understanding and applied solutions in areas such as carbon cycling, snow science, hydrology, weather prediction, and public health.
The Sergej Zilitinkevich Memorial Award is an international honor granted annually to a creative and influential scientist who has made significant breakthroughs in atmospheric or oceanic boundary-layer research. The award is supported by a distinguished group of institutions, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), European Meteorological Society (EMS), Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC), Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), Finnish Network for Atmospheric Sciences, Finnish Geophysical Society, and the Finnish Foundation for Aerosol Research.
Professor Rotach has played a leading role in several high-impact community research programs and field campaigns, such as MAP, BUBBLE, and TEAMx, which have contributed significantly to our understanding of turbulent exchange and surface-atmosphere interactions over heterogeneous terrain. His work addresses some of the most challenging topics in boundary-layer science and continues to influence the direction of research and policy in environmental and atmospheric sciences.
With more than 130 scientific publications, nearly 7,000 citations, and an H-index of 45 (Web of Science), Professor Rotach exemplifies scientific excellence and leadership in his field.
The award ceremony and keynote lecture will take place at EMS2025. Professor Rotach will deliver a presentation titled: “The Mountain Boundary Layer (MoBL) – Do We Need Yet Another Variety?”
Details on the date and time of the award session will be announced in due course.
We extend our warm congratulations to Professor Rotach on this well-deserved recognition.
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