Keith Shine, British academic and educator

Professor Keith Peter Shine, born on April 19, 1958, is a distinguished figure in the realm of atmospheric science. Recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), a mark of exceptional scientific eminence, he currently holds the prestigious position of Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading. This appointment places him at the forefront of research and education concerning our planet’s weather patterns and long-term climatic shifts, signifying both his personal achievements and the university's leading role in these critical areas.

The Esteemed Regius Professorship

What makes Professor Shine's role particularly notable is its designation as a Regius Professorship. These are highly esteemed, Crown-appointed positions that signify royal recognition of excellence in a specific academic field within a university. Historically, they have been established by the monarch, often dating back centuries, to promote and acknowledge pivotal areas of learning. The University of Reading’s Regius Professorship in Meteorology and Climate Science is particularly significant as it is a relatively modern creation, highlighting the critical importance of these subjects in the 21st century. Professor Shine is, in fact, the inaugural holder of this specific post, a testament to his groundbreaking contributions and the university's leading capabilities in the field of meteorology and climate science.

A Royal Mark of Distinction: Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee

The establishment of this Regius Professorship is directly linked to a momentous occasion in British history: Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, celebrating sixty years of her reign. To commemorate this milestone, Her Majesty awarded twelve new Regius Professorships across the United Kingdom. These awards were not merely ceremonial; they were intended to acknowledge and bolster academic excellence and vital research areas within British universities. The selection of Meteorology and Climate Science for one such honour at the University of Reading underscores the pressing global challenges posed by climate change and the crucial role that scientific understanding plays in addressing them. It also speaks volumes about the University of Reading's international reputation in environmental and atmospheric sciences, confirming its status as a world leader in this essential field.

Frequently Asked Questions about Professor Keith Shine and the Regius Professorship

Who is Professor Keith Peter Shine?
Professor Keith Peter Shine, born on April 19, 1958, is a highly respected British meteorologist and climate scientist. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and holds the Regius Professorship of Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading.
What is a Regius Professorship?
A Regius Professorship is an academic post that has been historically established and appointed by the Crown (the monarch). These are prestigious positions, signifying royal recognition of a university's excellence in a particular academic discipline and often highlighting its national importance.
Why was this Regius Professorship created for the University of Reading?
The Regius Professorship of Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading was one of twelve new Regius Professorships awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee. It acknowledges the university's exceptional contributions to these vital scientific fields and the national significance of their research.
Is Professor Shine the first person to hold this specific role?
Yes, Professor Keith Peter Shine is the inaugural holder of the Regius Professorship of Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading, making his appointment a historic moment for both him and the institution.
What does FRS stand for?
FRS stands for Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a highly prestigious fellowship awarded to the world's most eminent scientists, engineers, and technologists from the UK and Commonwealth, recognizing outstanding scientific achievement and contribution.