Book Launch in School of Mathematical Sciences

A new book on computer weather forecasting, by Prof Peter Lynch of the School of Mathematical Sciences, was launched on Monday, 20th November. Published by Cambridge University Press, it is entitled
"The Emergence of Numerical Weather Prediction: Richardson's Dream"
It describes the development of computer weather forecasting, starting with the first tentative experiments, long before the computer era, and includes a detailed account of modern forecasting practice.         [Front Cover]

             The Vice President for Research, Des FitzGerald, opened the launch, which was held in the Health Sciences Building. He complimented Prof Lynch on his achievement, and then introduced Prof Brian Hoskins, FRS, a Royal Society Research Professor based at Reading University.

Professor Hoskins spoke about the extraordinary career of the English Quaker Mathematician, Lewis Fry Richardson, whose work is a central theme of the book. During the First World War, Richardson carried out a prodigious calculation of atmospheric changes. Although his results were egregious, his method was sound, and is essentially that used in practice today. Prof Hoskins traced the development of numerical weather prediction, as described in the book. He observed that, as well as providing a history of the subject, the book contained so much of the underlying theory that it would serve as a valuable text for students.



             Prof Lynch responded, thanking the wide range of people who had helped him in writing the book. He paid particular compliments to his former colleagues in Met Éireann, and concluded by presenting a copy of the book to the Director of Met Éireann, Mr Declan Murphy.

The Vice President for Research, Des FitzGerald with Adrian Ottewill, Head of the School of Mathematical Sciences and the author.

             Ray Bates, Peter Lynch and Rodrigo Caballero
Further information about the book is available at
Cambridge University Press ,
and also on

Back to Richardson's Dream

A new book on computer weather forecasting, by Prof Peter Lynch of the School of Mathematical Sciences, was launched on Monday, 20th November. Published by Cambridge University Press, it is entitled "The Emergence of Numerical Weather Prediction: Richardson's Dream" It describes the development of computer weather forecasting, starting with the first tentative experiments, long before the computer era, and includes a detailed account of modern forecasting practice.
		The Vice President for Research, Des FitzGerald, opened the launch, which was held in the Health Sciences Building. He complimented Prof Lynch on his achievement, and then introduced Prof Brian Hoskins, FRS, a Royal Society Research Professor based at Reading University.
Professor Hoskins spoke about the extraordinary career of the English Quaker Mathematician, Lewis Fry Richardson, whose work is a central theme of the book. During the First World War, Richardson carried out a prodigious calculation of atmospheric changes. Although his results were egregious, his method was sound, and is essentially that used in practice today. Prof Hoskins traced the development of numerical weather prediction, as described in the book. He observed that, as well as providing a history of the subject, the book contained so much of the underlying theory that it would serve as a valuable text for students.
		Prof Lynch responded, thanking the wide range of people who had helped him in writing the book. He paid particular compliments to his former colleagues in Met Éireann, and concluded by presenting a copy of the book to the Director of Met Éireann, Mr Declan Murphy.
The Vice President for Research, Des FitzGerald with Adrian Ottewill, Head of the School of Mathematical Sciences and the author.
		Ray Bates, Peter Lynch and Rodrigo Caballero Further information about the book is available at Cambridge University Press , and also on Back to Richardson's Dream