The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has announced its 2027 Awards and Honors recipients, recognizing scientists, educators, forecasters, broadcasters, and organizations for contributions to weather, water, and climate science. The honorees will be recognized during the 107th AMS Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, from Jan. 10 to 14, 2027. The awards highlight achievements in scientific research, operational forecasting, public communication, education, and community service across the global weather and climate enterprise.

Climate Research And Forecasting Leaders Receive Top Recognition

Among the highest scientific honors, Rong Fu received the Carl-Gustaf Rossby Research Medal for research on the atmospheric water cycle, precipitation, drought, and fire weather. Paola Cessi was awarded the Henry Stommel Research Medal for advancing understanding of the ocean's overturning circulation and its role in Earth's climate. Venkatachalam Ramaswamy received the Warren Washington Research and Leadership Medal for research on radiation-climate interactions and leadership at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory.

The AMS also named Inez Fung, Keith Seitter, Marshall Shepherd, and Louis W. Uccellini as Honorary Members, recognizing their long-term influence on atmospheric and related sciences. New AMS Fellows include 28 researchers whose careers have made sustained contributions to meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, and climate science.

Artificial Intelligence, Weather Safety, And Public Service Highlighted

The National Weather Service AI Language Translation Program Team received the Francis W. Reichelderfer Award for developing the agency's first artificial intelligence-powered multilingual weather translation system. AMS said the initiative has expanded access to life-saving weather information for millions of people.

The National Lightning Safety Council received a Special Award marking 25 years of public education that has contributed to reducing lightning-related fatalities. The National Weather Service office in Paducah, Kentucky, was recognized for exceptional forecasts during major severe weather events in spring 2025.

Growing Global Importance Of Weather And Climate Science

The AMS awards reflect increasing international collaboration as governments and researchers respond to climate variability, extreme weather, water security, and disaster resilience. Award recipients represent universities, government agencies, research institutions, and operational weather services across multiple countries.

According to AMS, founded in 1919, the organization represents approximately 12,000 members worldwide and publishes leading peer-reviewed journals covering atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences. The society said its annual awards recognize excellence in research, education, forecasting, technology, communication, and public service while encouraging continued scientific innovation that supports society's response to weather and climate challenges.