Helen Dacre
British scientist and athlete
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Helen Dacre is a British scientist and athlete. She is currently professor of dynamical meteorology at the University of Reading.[1] Her work on modelling and predicting the path of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic ash plume was pivotal in the reopening of European airspace in a timely manner.[2] She has previously represented Great Britain in water polo at the European, Commonwealth and World Championships.[3]
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Women's water polo | ||
Representing  United Kingdom | ||
| World Championships |
Sporting career
Dacre represented Great Britain at a number of international water polo competitions.[3][4][5] At the 2003 World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, Dacre was a regular fixture in the GB line up.[6][7][8]
Research career
Dacre's research focuses on the development of extratropical cyclones, pollution transport through the atmosphere and volcanic ash dispersion.[9] Her cyclone tracking algorithms are in widespread operational use.[10][11]
Dacre's volcanic ash dispersion model is central to the Met Office aviation safety forecasts.[12] Following the 2010 eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, European airspace was closed with a cost to the global airline industry an estimated $200 million per day[13] Dacre's assessment of the accuracy of ash models is credited with reducing airspace closure times, in particular reducing the economic impact of the 2011 Grímsvötn eruption.[2][14]