Prof Mark New awarded Mathieu Rouault Medal

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Mark New has been awarded the Mathieu Rouault Medal by the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences (SASAS) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to climate and atmospheric sciences in Africa. A Professor in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, New is also a research chair at the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI).

The Mathieu Rouault Medal honours individuals for exceptional research, education, or technical achievement across any SASAS field. Named after the late Professor Mathieu Rouault, who held a SARChI chair in UCT’s Department of Oceanography, and an internationally respected expert in ocean environments and weather systems, the award recognises excellence that advances both science and society.

Professor New has been recognised for his pioneering work in climate risk and attribution, as well as his visionary leadership in building research capacity at the ACDI. His research bridges the realms of science, policy, and education, exemplifying the very spirit of the Mathieu Rouault Medal.

“It means a lot that my peers and colleagues value my work in climate and atmospheric science. We have a vibrant and diverse community of climate researchers in South Africa, and SASAS plays a crucial role in supporting and inspiring collaboration across regions and career stages,” New said.

Shaping climate science in Africa

With over 25 years of experience, New has led pioneering research on climate change detection, modelling, projections, attribution, and adaptation. His current focus includes:

• understanding climate processes, projections, risk, and attribution in African contexts
• assessing climate impacts and adaptation, particularly for health, fire, water, and multi-sectoral challenges
• identifying barriers and enablers to climate adaptation and resilience.

From 2011 to 2023, he served as the director of the ACDI, was the first AXA Research Chair in African Climate Risk (2017–2021) and is the co-director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence for Climate and Development, fostering pan-African collaboration between UCT, the University of Ghana, and the University of Nairobi.

“Mark has been at the forefront of observational climate research internationally for over thirty years and made valuable contributions to many other atmospheric science domains. He has used this expertise to strengthen climate research for impact, which is an important priority for the ACDI. The Mathieu Rouault Medal has a truly deserving winner this year,” said Professor Gina Ziervogel, the director of the ACDI.

International accolades

New’s work has earned international accolades championing engaged research, transdisciplinary leadership, and mentorship of early-career scientists. His leadership of the ARUA Centre of Excellence and the AXA Chair has strengthened African scholarship and research capacity, creating a legacy across the continent.

“Being mentored by Professor Mark New has been one of the most defining experiences of my career.”

“Being mentored by Professor Mark New has been one of the most defining experiences of my career. His guidance has shaped my work, as well as my confidence, curiosity, and ambition in defining my research career path and that of many others. Awarding the SASAS Mathieu Rouault Medal to Professor New is long overdue and marks the culmination of almost three decades of work to improve understanding of climate risk in Africa, empowering generations of climate scientists and practitioners throughout Africa and beyond,” said Romaric Odoulami, a researcher at ACDI.