Kent Moore Awarded 2023 Patterson Distinguished Service Medal
Kent Moore, Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Geophysics of Climate Change and UTM’s Vice-Principal, Research, has been awarded the 2023 Patterson Medal by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for his outstanding contributions in the field of Canadian meteorology.
The prestigious annual award was created in 1946 in honour of Dr. John Patterson, a U of T alumnus who was director and controller for nearly two decades of what is now the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC).
Touted as an authoritative voice in the field, Moore is known widely for his prominence in climate research in the Arctic and in mountainous regions. He’s published over 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts, been cited nearly 11,000 times, and received over 65 national and international grants and awards.
“Professor Moore’s research program has transformed our understanding of the impacts of climate change in polar and mountainous regions,” says Richard Peltier, a university professor in the Department of Physics at U of T.
“His highly interdisciplinary and internationally recognized body of knowledge has fostered excellence in climate science, contributing to Canada’s global leadership in the field.”
Peltier nominated Moore for the Patterson Medal and received the award himself in 1991.
My passion for communicating the impact of climate change is motivated by the hope that my actions can in some way minimize future impacts. I want my grandchildren’s generation to inherit an Earth that is as wonderful and amazing as that Earth my generation inherited from my grandparents.
“I’m incredibly honoured,” says Moore, who is praised by peers for his curiosity, collaborative nature, empathetic leadership, and creative approach to research. “To join the ranks of Canada’s leaders in meteorology who have received this award before me — it means a great deal.”
Moore is also recognized as a dedicated mentor who has inspired a future generation of scientists. Over the years, he has trained a diverse collection of undergraduate researchers, as well as 16 masters students, 16 PhD students, and 14 postdoctoral fellows — many of whom, the nomination committee noted, have gone on to impactful research careers of their own within government organizations and at universities worldwide.
“This award is also a testament to their efforts,” says Moore. “Their work has contributed to the research that is being recognized, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with so many young researchers who are passionate about climate science, and to watch them go on to do incredible things.”
“I'd like to thank Physics Chair Kimberly Strong for her ongoing support,” he says, “as well as Stefanie Bernaudo, UTM Strategic Research Development Officer, for her help with this nomination.”
“I'm especially grateful to my colleague and mentor Dick Peltier for nominating me,” Moore adds. “He took a very young and very green PhD student and showed the way to do excellent research.”
Moore received the Patterson Medal last week in an Awards Ceremony held at the 2024 Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society Congress. The award was presented by Cécile Siewe, MSC’s Assistant Deputy Minister for Environment and Climate Change Canada.
“From his discovery of wind systems known as ‘tip jets’ on the steep topography of Greenland, his analysis of climate patterns found in a Mount Logan ice core sample, his contributions to the discovery of phytoplankton blooms caused by thinning sea ice in the Arctic, and to the groundbreaking research at the interface of weather and high-altitude human physiology, Dr. Moore is certainly deserving of the Patterson Medal,” said Siewe in her remarks.
“These pioneering contributions to meteorology and climatology were recognized enthusiastically by his peers across leading Canadian and international institutions.”
The award also acknowledges Moore’s ongoing efforts to increase public awareness about the impacts of climate change in the Arctic region. A sought-after climate and environmental communicator, Moore has given 140 media interviews on issues related to climate change and more than 150 news articles have been written about his research. His work has impacted the broader climate change community with over 125 citations in policy documents.
“My passion for communicating the impact of climate change is motivated by the hope that my actions can in some way minimize future impacts,” Moore reflects. “I want my grandchildren’s generation to inherit an Earth that is as wonderful and amazing as that Earth my generation inherited from my grandparents.”