Reading climate scientist and educator receives OBE at castle ceremony

A Reading climate scientist and education advocate has received a royal honour in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez OBE, Head of the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences at the University of Reading, was officially appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Prince of Wales on January 14.

The academic, who was named in the King’s Birthday Honours list in June 2025, was recognised for his ‘exceptional contributions’ to climate science and education.

The professor said: “Receiving this honour was a humbling and memorable experience.

“It was a moment to reflect on the collective efforts of so many colleagues, volunteers and partners who share a commitment to ensuring every young person receives the climate education they deserve.”

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The University of Reading states that the professor has played a leading role in delivering the National Climate Education Action Plan, bringing together more than 80 organisations to collaborate on transformative climate education initiatives.

He is also national co-lead of the Climate Ambassador programme, which, supported with nearly £4 million of Department for Education funding, has helped provide free sustainability support to educational settings across the UK.

More than 1,200 volunteers have joined the Climate Ambassadors scheme, working with nurseries, schools and colleges to enhance climate education, promote green careers, and help institutions become more climate resilient.

As a scientist, Professor Charlton-Perez has made contributions to meteorology, particularly on stratospheric sudden warmings and their surface climate impacts.