Professor of Earth Systems Engineering at Newcastle University and former adviser to the UK Climate Change Committee
Professor Richard Dawson is a leading engineer in resilience and climate change adaptation, focusing on how cities and infrastructure can respond to changing risks.
As Professor of Earth Systems Engineering at Newcastle University, Richard’s work has pioneered new approaches to quantifying and managing climate risk. He has developed methods for risk analysis that are widely used to inform infrastructure planning and urban design. Richard operates at the intersection of engineering, policy and environmental science, ensuring that technical insights translate into practical decision-making.
His expertise is reflected in his roles advising major bodies including the UK Climate Change Committee (2019-2025), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. His research continues to shape how governments and industries prepare for the long-term impacts of climate change and other risks.
Richard was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2023.
Professor Richard Dawson FREng