James W. Hurrell – Professor and Scott Presidential Chair in Environmental Science and Engineering

Phone: 970-492-4041
Email: james.hurrell@colostate.edu
Research and teaching website

Education

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science – 1990 – Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• M.S. in Atmospheric Science – 1986 – Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• B.S. in Earth and Space Science – 1984 – University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
• B.S. in Mathematics – 1984 – University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN

Career Overview

James (Jim) W. Hurrell is a professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State University. His research focuses on climate variability and predictability, and he has contributed to over 140 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He is a fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, the American Meteorological Society (AMS), and the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

Jim has been involved in several national and international scientific planning efforts, including his work with the World Climate Research Programme and the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). He has also held leadership roles at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), including serving as its former Director. Throughout his career, Jim has been dedicated to advancing the field of atmospheric science and fostering collaboration among researchers.

Teaching Interests

• Global climate change
• Atmospheric dynamics
• General circulation
• Synoptic meteorology
• Climate intervention approaches

Research Interests

• Global climate change
• Natural climate variability
• Seasonal-to-decadal climate predictability
• Climate change and mosquito-borne disease
• Climate Intervention (Geoengineering)
• Earth System Modeling
• Weather-Climate Interface

The Hurrell research group at Colorado State University investigates climate variability and change, with a particular interest in natural, seasonal-to-decadal climate variations. This work aims to help governments and industries distinguish between natural fluctuations and the effects of long-term global warming, which is crucial for effective planning.

Additionally, our group is exploring solar climate intervention (SCI), a potential strategy to reduce global warming by reflecting sunlight back into space. We use climate models to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of SCI in comparison to the risks posed by ongoing climate change.

Research Sponsors

• NSF
• NOAA
• Quadrature Climate Foundation
• LAD Climate Group

Professional Awards and Honors

• Highly Cited Researcher – Lifetime, Scholar GPS (2025)
• Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, CSU, Art Corey Award for Outstanding International Contributions (2024)
• Sigma Zeta, Distinguished Alumni Award (2023)
• American Meteorological Society, Warren Washington Research and Leadership Medal (2021)
• Senior Scientist Emeritus, National Center for Atmospheric Research (2019)
• University of Indianapolis, Distinguished Alumni Award (2016)
• Fridtjof Nansen Memorial Lecture (2011)
• Fridtjof Nansen Medal, Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (2011)
• Fellow, American Geophysical Union (2010)
• Fellow, American Meteorological Society (2006)
• Purdue University, College of Science Distinguished Alumnus Award (2006)
• Thomson-ISI Highly Cited Researchers (first time in 2004)
• Purdue University, Outstanding Alumnus Award, EAPS (2004)
• American Meteorological Society, Clarence Leroy Meisinger Award (2001)
• University of Indianapolis, Distinguished Alumnus Award, School of Science (2001)
• Fellow, Royal Meteorological Society (2000)
• NCAR, Outstanding Publication Award (1997)

Professional Positions

• Colorado State University
  • Scott Presidential Chair in Environmental Science and Engineering (2018-present)
  • Professor, Department of Atmospheric Science (2018-present)

• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
  • Director, NCAR (2013-18)
  • Director, NCAR Earth System Laboratory (2011-13)
  • Chief Scientist, Community Earth System Model (2009-11)
  • Director, Climate and Global Dynamics Division (2003-07)
  • Senior Scientist, NCAR (2003-18)
  • Scientist III, NCAR (1998-2003)
  • Scientist II, NCAR (1994-98)
  • Scientist I, NCAR (1991-94)
  • Visiting Scientist, NCAR (1990-91)

• Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research
  • Visiting Scientist (1999)