Robert M. White (1923–2015) was a meteorologist and advisor on environment, energy, and climate change, and development and management of organizations and research programs, serving as President of the National Academy of Engineering from 1983 to 1995. Prior to that, he was President of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Dr. White has served in scientific leadership positions under five US Presidents.
He was appointed Chief of the US Weather Bureau and the first Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. His years of government service include US Commissioner to the International Whaling Commission and the US Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization. He is credited with bringing about a revolution in the US weather warning system with satellite and computer technology. Before joining the government, he founded one of the first corporations devoted to environmental science and services. He was a Senior Fellow at UCAR and at the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment.
In recognition of significant contributions to science, Dr. White was awarded the Vannevar Bush Award, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, the Charles E. Lindbergh Award for Technology and Environment, the Rockefeller Public Service Award for Protection of Natural Resources, and the International Meteorological Organization Prize. He held honorary degrees from many universities and was a member of the French Legion of Honor and of tje Academies of Engineering in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among others.
Dr. White received a BA in geology from Harvard University and both the SM and ScD in meteorology from MIT. He gave several Compton lectures in the 1995–1996 academic year; more at MIT News.
