We are delighted to share that Dr Verity Flett will be providing hydrological science leadership for FDRI as part of her role as Principal Hydrologist for
UKCEH. Verity will lead on strategic guidance across all three FDRI catchments: the Upper Severn, Upper Tweed and Chess.
Joining us from SEPA, Verity brings valuable practical and theoretical hydrological skills and experience. She was the Area Hydrologist responsible for the Dumfries and Galloway East hydrometric network, but in previous SEPA roles she worked in flood risk assessment and modelling, and in field hydrometry positions. For her PhD at BGS and the University of Dundee, Verity measured glacial retreat and modelled river flow changes in a catchment in south-east Iceland.
Regarding her new role, Verity shared, "I am very excited to be involved in the FDRI project, which is a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of floods and droughts in the UK. My hope is that the observatory will generate the knowledge needed to better understand the mechanisms that govern hydrological extremes and support UK environmental agencies, practitioners, and researchers in tackling these challenges. By improving our understanding of these events, we can help build a future in which communities are better protected, better prepared, and more resilient to the impacts of floods and droughts."
Verity will be based in Edinburgh, close to the Upper Tweed catchment, with regular travel to all FDRI catchments.