Laurence Rouil to replace Vincent-Henri Peuch as CAMS director

Laurence Rouil Appointed as Director of Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS)

Introduction

Laurence Rouil has been appointed as the new director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), replacing Vincent-Henri Peuch. This change will take effect from 1 February 2024. Rouil, currently serving as the Director of Strategy, Scientific Policy, and Communications at France’s INERIS, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role.

Background

Dr. Rouil has been involved with CAMS since its inception and has worked in various capacities within the service. She has a strong background in Earth observation, atmosphere composition modeling, data assimilation, and other thematic areas covered by CAMS. Additionally, she is well-versed in Copernicus activities and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) portfolio of products.

Dr. Rouil’s Statement

In response to her appointment, Dr. Rouil expressed her pride and excitement in contributing to the remarkable service that CAMS has become. She acknowledged the progress made since the early stages of implementing services based on an integrated approach to monitor the chemical composition of the atmosphere. Dr. Rouil emphasized the importance of leveraging various observations and models to achieve this goal.

Vincent-Henri Peuch’s Transition

Vincent-Henri Peuch, the outgoing CAMS director, will assume the newly created role of Director for ECMWF’s Engagement with the EU. In this position, he will ensure effective coordination across ECMWF’s EU-funded activities while aligning them with the organization’s core mission to Member States.

Peuch’s Contributions

Peuch, a meteorologist and Doctor in Chemistry, played a pivotal role in pioneering air quality modeling activities. He was involved in combining satellite and in-situ observations with modeling through projects such as GEMS and MACC. Peuch, along with Jean-Noel Thépaut, responded to the European Commission’s call for Expression of Interest, leading to ECMWF’s implementation of CAMS and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

Laurence Rouil’s Succession

Peuch expressed his delight in Rouil taking over as the new director, highlighting their close collaboration in the past. With CAMS now established as a global reference in atmospheric composition monitoring, the focus will shift towards developing a greenhouse gas emissions monitoring capacity, led by CAMS Deputy Director Richard Engelen.

Impact on People’s Health and Well-being

Peuch emphasized that CAMS plays a crucial role in supporting the design and development of policies that can improve the lives of citizens. By working on greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants, CAMS is moving closer to decisions that directly impact people’s health and well-being. The service’s information products can bring about significant changes in air quality within days of their implementation.

Rouil’s Vision

Dr. Rouil expressed her commitment to continuing the work initiated by Peuch and bridging the gap between science and policy. She acknowledged the environmental challenges posed by atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases and stressed CAMS’ capacity to support Europe’s strategies and evaluate their effects. Additionally, she highlighted CAMS’ role in supporting national capacities beyond Europe.

Conclusion

Florence Rabier, Director General of ECMWF, welcomed Laurence Rouil to the leadership team and praised her expertise in atmospheric sciences, policy services, and international negotiations. The transition from Peuch to Rouil marks a significant milestone for CAMS, and both individuals are wished success in their new roles.

*CAMS is implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) on behalf of the European Commission.

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