Robert (Bob) Corell
What about Bob!
Bob Corell (Robert W. Corell) was a renowned American climate scientist and policy expert, recognized for his significant contributions to understanding global climate change and its impacts, particularly in the Arctic. He worked extensively on issues related to the environment, climate science, and the intersection of science and policy. Here are some highlights of his career:
Leadership in Climate Research: Corell served as the chair of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA), a groundbreaking report that highlighted the effects of climate change in the Arctic and its implications for the rest of the world. The ACIA was one of the first comprehensive studies to document the rapid warming of the Arctic region.
Academic and Policy Roles: He has held positions at various academic and policy institutions, including the Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Miami and UiT The Arctic University of Norway. His work often bridged the gap between scientific research and policymaking.
Affiliation with International Organizations: Corell has been involved with the United Nations and other international organizations, focusing on climate-related issues, sustainability, and the role of science in addressing global challenges.
As a Director and Principal at the Global Environment & Technology Foundation, he is focused on programs and activities that explicitly addressed those human-induced changes that are disruptive, and which are leading to transformations across both public and private spheres of societies. Dr. Corell is dedicated to frame these programs in ways that are increasingly formulated to accelerate positive social outcomes, to expand knowledge for all, facilitate technological innovation and foster institutional cultures that are dedicated to the benefit of society.
Advocacy and Communication: A prominent advocate for addressing climate change, Corell has worked to raise awareness of its risks and promote global action. He has been a sought-after speaker at conferences and in the media.
Bob Corell’s contributions have been critical in shaping how scientists, policymakers, and the public understand and respond to climate change, particularly the pressing issues facing the Arctic region.
He influenced and touched many people over the years and the world has lost a great man. His energy and ideas where infectious and those of us who were lucky enough to know him know we have a responsibility to carry on his work.
Bob held Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. degrees from Case Western Reserve University and MIT. He was the Assistant Director of the National Science Foundation for Geosciences, responsible for the Atmospheric, Earth and Ocean Sciences and Polar Programs. He led the U.S. climate and global change research program and international programs for the UN, global and regional research science and related public policy assessments. He has been and continues to be recognized with international awards, Honorary Doctor Degrees, and other recognitions.
Services
Memorial services are currently being arranged. A private family service will be held in in the coming weeks.
A larger memorial and perhaps online celebration of Bob will be held later this year.
If there are upcoming meetings where Bob should be honored, memorials written to journals, etc., please contact Deb Stirling (jstirling@att.net) and/or Jenny Baeseman (jbaeseman@gmail.com), as they have been and continue to coordinate things for Bob :)
There are early discussions of a scholarship or fellowship in Bob's name, so in lieu of flowers, please hold donations until such things have been decided.
Photos
Stories about Bob
Besides all of Bob's amazing professional accomplishments, he meant a lot to a lot of people! And we all know he had stories... man, did he have stories! Please share your memories of Bob and any stories he might have shared with you!
January 31, 2025
Bob was inspirational throughout our interactions. He was forward-looking and a master at ideating scientific concepts to help improve the quality of life. Much of his messages and teaching should continue to resonate beyond our own lifetime. QDEP.
January 27, 2025
Due to my character, due to the traditions of my people, I am quite reserved in relationships with new people. In order to get close to a person, you need to go through a certain life path with him. But there are people with whom you feel respect and trust from the first meeting. Bob was such a person for me. We met at the Arctic Council. At first, he asked me about my work, about the priorities of the indigenous peoples of Russia, and it was clear that he was sincerely interested in the life of our communities. Then we talked a lot during the Sustainable Development Summit in Johannesburg, where we were members of the Arctic delegation. His wisdom, his humor, his kind attitude towards people will forever remain in my heart!
January 24, 2025
I learned about Bob's passing only two nights ago and was brought to tears by this news. As an elected President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada and later as elected International Chair of ICC, I worked closely with Bob back in the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment work. Once the assessment was made public, he and I traveled to many events and places in the world as he shared the science and I the human stories of the Arctic. We often called ourselves the Bob and Sheila road show. At a time when the politics was starting to ramp up and interfere with our work, together we also testified at Senator John McCain's Senate hearings on climate change in Washington D.C. After hearing our testimonies we found an ally in Senator McCain.
Bob was the best science communicator I have ever known. I was in awe in how he could make such complex scientific issues so understandable and relatable to anyone he spoke with. I learned much from Bob. Just as important, he was a kind and respectful man who was so supportive of my leadership and that of all the Indigenous leaders who took part in this pioneering work in putting together a remarkable document which was ahead of it's time, even before the the IPCC reports. With many hurtles on our path, we forged ahead with Bob's leadership and with the partnerships we built, a remarkable document with an attached policy document was produced and sent off to the world. This report also included traditional Indigenous knowledge and observations from our people of the Arctic. The research and predictions were on the Arctic, my homeland. Predictions in that document have come to be in the Arctic, some even sooner or worse than predicted.
I will always remain grateful to Bob for his work on the Science which I have continued to run with in my life's work in educating the world about the human and cultural cost to our Inuit homelands. My only regret is that I have not stayed connected with Bob in recent years. However the common convictions through our work, our friendship and his respectful regard for my life's work has sustained me and continues to stay with me as I continue to carry on. God's Speed Bob. Nakurmiik. Siila
Bob was the best science communicator I have ever known. I was in awe in how he could make such complex scientific issues so understandable and relatable to anyone he spoke with. I learned much from Bob. Just as important, he was a kind and respectful man who was so supportive of my leadership and that of all the Indigenous leaders who took part in this pioneering work in putting together a remarkable document which was ahead of it's time, even before the the IPCC reports. With many hurtles on our path, we forged ahead with Bob's leadership and with the partnerships we built, a remarkable document with an attached policy document was produced and sent off to the world. This report also included traditional Indigenous knowledge and observations from our people of the Arctic. The research and predictions were on the Arctic, my homeland. Predictions in that document have come to be in the Arctic, some even sooner or worse than predicted.
I will always remain grateful to Bob for his work on the Science which I have continued to run with in my life's work in educating the world about the human and cultural cost to our Inuit homelands. My only regret is that I have not stayed connected with Bob in recent years. However the common convictions through our work, our friendship and his respectful regard for my life's work has sustained me and continues to stay with me as I continue to carry on. God's Speed Bob. Nakurmiik. Siila
January 24, 2025
I was fortunate to call Bob a friend for the past decade. He and Nancy were living on Key Biscayne and I was (am) working at the marine school down the road, so he'd come by to meet with other friends. We were introduced to one another by Rana Fine, who characterized him beforehand as "a national treasure"; she should know because she is described likewise. Bob and I quickly bonded, as seems to be the case with so many others, with one of his first questions being "What can I do to help?" (I was chairing the school's ocean sciences department). I immediately responded, "Mentor me, please." He laughed but I was serious. From then on, we lunched together regularly at a little seafood shack/restaurant named Atlantica near the Miami Marine Stadium; they had great Mahi Mahi sandwiches. We shared stories and gossip, laughed a lot, and enjoyed being together. He would pick me up in his car because the school was located between KB and the restaurant. He and Nancy came to know my lovely wife Paula and my daughters; they joined us at our home on occasion for family dinners. In thinking about stories for this brief essay, I remember most how much he talked about his family. He loved you all so much and was very proud of each of his kids and grandkids, often proudly sharing stories about each. His trips to the lake to be with you in the summer were always a high point of joy. I will miss him but he will always be in my heart. I am blessed and honored to have had him in my life.
January 23, 2025
I first met Bob in the early 1960's when we both were graduate students at Case Institute of Technology. Subsequently, in 1967, Bob influenced me and our colleague Jan Clee to join him at the University of New Hampshire where we worked together over the next 20 years making both the Engineering School and the Business School better places. He was a valued friend and colleague.
Many years later, Bob contacted me to consult with him in his work with ACIA, another excellent collaboration.
I really valued my friendship with Bob and will miss him.
Many years later, Bob contacted me to consult with him in his work with ACIA, another excellent collaboration.
I really valued my friendship with Bob and will miss him.
January 23, 2025
Bob was a tireless advocate for Arctic science, building bridges across organizations and urging us forward. We stayed connected throughout my career, for which I was grateful. He could always find a link between wherever my work was taking me and Arctic science. I appreciated his continued communication and consideration, as well as his deep knowledge, ability to tie threads together, and inspire others to unite to achieve cross-cutting, system goals. His voice, charisma, and passion for the Arctic will be missed.
January 23, 2025
I first met Bob in 1998 when I joined the Climate Dynamics program at NSF. He was the Assistant Director Geosciences at NSF. What a great boss and mentor, always appreciative of his staff and their contributions. He had a deep knowledge of the scientific challenges that lay ahead for global change research. As Chair of the Interagency Subcommittee on Global Change Research (SGCR), along with Mike Hall NOAA, Ari Patrinos DOE, Shelby Tifford NASA and other interagency leaders, he laid a strong foundation for the USGCRP. E.g., the Carbon and Climate Working Group developed a U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Plan in 1999. I was the NSF rep for this; I recall how Bob graciously thanked me for doing this (when we crossed each other in the hallways!) ...and how crucial the effort was.
Having worked in academia, public and private sectors, Bob was a visionary and broad thinker. His enthusiasm, unflagging energy and sense of humor was contagious. He was much loved by his team.
Within NSF, he provided us backing in ‘out of the box’ thinking on the GPS met as well as partnership with Taiwan on the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) program. This proof of concept effort led to the eventual COSMIC-2 launch in 2019 onboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The new data from these six satellites is currently improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and thus early warning systems ....thereby saving lives and property across the globe.
Many decades later, our paths crossed when I was working in the Arctic Natural Sciences program. Bob was actively engaged with leaders in the field including indigenous scholars on issues at the interface of science, policy and sustainable development in the Arctic. Bob played a key role in establishing the International Arctic Science Commission.
I consider myself fortunate to have interacted with Bob. He enriched our field and set the bar for those that follow. Truly a class act.
My condolences to Bob's family. May it help you to know we grieve alongside you all.
RIP Bob you will be missed by your professional colleagues, however your legacy will endure.
Anjuli Bamzai
Having worked in academia, public and private sectors, Bob was a visionary and broad thinker. His enthusiasm, unflagging energy and sense of humor was contagious. He was much loved by his team.
Within NSF, he provided us backing in ‘out of the box’ thinking on the GPS met as well as partnership with Taiwan on the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) program. This proof of concept effort led to the eventual COSMIC-2 launch in 2019 onboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The new data from these six satellites is currently improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and thus early warning systems ....thereby saving lives and property across the globe.
Many decades later, our paths crossed when I was working in the Arctic Natural Sciences program. Bob was actively engaged with leaders in the field including indigenous scholars on issues at the interface of science, policy and sustainable development in the Arctic. Bob played a key role in establishing the International Arctic Science Commission.
I consider myself fortunate to have interacted with Bob. He enriched our field and set the bar for those that follow. Truly a class act.
My condolences to Bob's family. May it help you to know we grieve alongside you all.
RIP Bob you will be missed by your professional colleagues, however your legacy will endure.
Anjuli Bamzai
January 23, 2025
I met Bob early in my career and worked with him on several committees and assessments as he built the US Global Change Research Program. He was an inspiration as so many here have noted. I would like to highlight his enthusiastic support for women scholars and social science when at times we were dismissed. Thank you Bob.
January 22, 2025
Bob was the consumate gentleman and a scholar. I was fortunate to have worked with him on the First National Assessement. He was always an inspriation and so enthusiastic about moving science out to the public.
Despite all his responsiblities he was never too busy to provide words of wisdom and support to those around him. He always responded positively when asked to engage with his colleagues. This was exemplified by his tireless interactions to help answer everyone's questions about Global Change Research. I recall many years at the American Meteorological Soiety's Global Change Symposiums where he would spend hours helping everyone from students to professional specialists get the information they needed with his contagioius special enthusiasm.
Bob will be missed, but his legacy will be timeless.
Despite all his responsiblities he was never too busy to provide words of wisdom and support to those around him. He always responded positively when asked to engage with his colleagues. This was exemplified by his tireless interactions to help answer everyone's questions about Global Change Research. I recall many years at the American Meteorological Soiety's Global Change Symposiums where he would spend hours helping everyone from students to professional specialists get the information they needed with his contagioius special enthusiasm.
Bob will be missed, but his legacy will be timeless.
January 22, 2025
I only knew Bob for a brief period of time, but this past year of knowing him was one I'll never forget. Bob always had a smile on his face. He loved stopping by and talking with his neighbors about anything and everything- the grass always seemed greener after spending a bit of time with him. I will miss him, his chats, his fun facts and his smile dearly.
January 21, 2025
Bob was a visionary who spoke truth to power about “Our Changing Planet.” When I met him in 1988, he was a passionate advocate for the environment. From his perch at NSF he worked to ensure that OSTP appointed its first associate director for the environment. He worked tirelessly across the executive and legislative branches to enshrine institutions and practices that are now ingrained and common, but at the time pushed the envelope with their innovative nature and design. He could awe an audience with his knowledge, vision and passion, and at the same time he served as a mentor and inspiration for so many of us aspiring to do some good in the climate space. All of that, and he was a good, kind, generous man who gave so much of his time, friendship, and support to his family and friends. I can think of no better honor for Bob but to say he was a good man and a true friend. I will miss him dearly.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Rest in Peace my friend.
January 21, 2025
I can't even remember when I first met Bob. He always seemed to be a presence when important topics about climate change were being discussed, negotiated, or planned. It was always such a pleasure to spend time with him, learning from his vast array of experiences and knowledge. From 2021 to 2023, when I was working in Washington DC, I had the opportunity to reconnect with him after many years, this time in his capacity as Chairman of a group of people developing and promoting a vision for a U.S. supergrid for the 21st century. At a time when most were thinking about the next several years, Bob was rightly focused on the next several decades -- and how through coordinated and strategic investment in strengthening the power grid we could go a long way towards addressing the climate crisis. I will remember Bob's boundless energy so generously devoted to making the world a better place.
January 21, 2025
Throughout his career Bob Corell focused on global scale problems. He was a leader in making the case for major investments in Earth observations using satellites and integrated biogeophysical models; global-scale research programs (e.g. WCRP, IGBP); and transitioning national funding priorities to include global processes and partnerships, especially in the polar regions. He oversaw the US Global Change Research Program and the associated interagency coordination and reporting that has remained influential for setting US science policy and funding priorities. And at the same time, Bob made space for, engaged with, and mentored numerous students, early career scientists, and Arctic residents. Bob Corell was a remarkable champion for the progressive expansion of knowledge about the Arctic regions, inclusion of diverse world views, and of endeavors to increase that knowledge and to relate it to the rest of the world. He has indeed made exceptional and sustained contributions to the understanding of the Arctic.
Bob professed that "seeing is believing" and used his passion to organize trips to the High North so that politicians, business people, and others can see for themselves the rapid change happening across the Arctic. Bob was an outstanding scientist with a comprehensive perspective from biogeochemistry to climatology on a global scale, but with a special emphasis on northern regions. He was one of the first to see the value of system-wide approaches including social, political and scientific aspects and of developing transdisciplinary knowledge to address complex problems. This was exemplified with his long-term collaboration with Sámi reindeer herders. Equally impressive is that he was an advisor to the US Presidents for 20 years. His ability to reach out to industry leaders when it comes to climate change (including the state of the Greenland ice sheet) is legendary. Few understand this region better than Bob, and his concern for finding solutions was genuine and relentless. Likewise, impressive was his close connection to and support for the inclusion of Indigenous and local knowledge and peoples across the Arctic. He paved the way for including broad perspectives on how to understand climate change impacts and societal vulnerability in the Arctic at a time when scientists struggled to collaborate in an interdisciplinary manner. He convinced people in many countries to have a new look at the Arctic and to increase efforts to combat the effects of climate change. His opinions of how to educate and train future generations led the way in the development of multidisciplinary and integrated solutions for the future. For example, he provided critical early mentorship for young researchers who were struggling to establish the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists during the International Polar Year (2007-08). His energy and dedication seemed limitless.
At the same time this giant and hero of oceanography and climatology was a thoroughly mild and friendly man. Even the simplest contribution to a debate was received and honored with care. Bob was never restrained when it came to supportive comments and encouraging others to share ideas and build partnerships. He had a great ability to make people understand the relevance of Arctic issues for climate change and the world at large. I am one of many who benefited from Bob’s sage advice and guidance from my graduate school days until very recently. I will miss him.
Larry Hinzman
Fairbanks, Alaska
Bob professed that "seeing is believing" and used his passion to organize trips to the High North so that politicians, business people, and others can see for themselves the rapid change happening across the Arctic. Bob was an outstanding scientist with a comprehensive perspective from biogeochemistry to climatology on a global scale, but with a special emphasis on northern regions. He was one of the first to see the value of system-wide approaches including social, political and scientific aspects and of developing transdisciplinary knowledge to address complex problems. This was exemplified with his long-term collaboration with Sámi reindeer herders. Equally impressive is that he was an advisor to the US Presidents for 20 years. His ability to reach out to industry leaders when it comes to climate change (including the state of the Greenland ice sheet) is legendary. Few understand this region better than Bob, and his concern for finding solutions was genuine and relentless. Likewise, impressive was his close connection to and support for the inclusion of Indigenous and local knowledge and peoples across the Arctic. He paved the way for including broad perspectives on how to understand climate change impacts and societal vulnerability in the Arctic at a time when scientists struggled to collaborate in an interdisciplinary manner. He convinced people in many countries to have a new look at the Arctic and to increase efforts to combat the effects of climate change. His opinions of how to educate and train future generations led the way in the development of multidisciplinary and integrated solutions for the future. For example, he provided critical early mentorship for young researchers who were struggling to establish the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists during the International Polar Year (2007-08). His energy and dedication seemed limitless.
At the same time this giant and hero of oceanography and climatology was a thoroughly mild and friendly man. Even the simplest contribution to a debate was received and honored with care. Bob was never restrained when it came to supportive comments and encouraging others to share ideas and build partnerships. He had a great ability to make people understand the relevance of Arctic issues for climate change and the world at large. I am one of many who benefited from Bob’s sage advice and guidance from my graduate school days until very recently. I will miss him.
Larry Hinzman
Fairbanks, Alaska
January 21, 2025
I'm so thankful to have met and learned from Bob, and he will be sorely missed. I first met Bob when he and Felicitas von Peter recruited me to come try out my climate science communication skills with the Active Philanthropy Greenland Expeditions. I resisted the invitation at first, but once I participated it was instantly clear that this was an incredibly impactful way to use my time and skills. I was so thankful that they found me and that I have been able to do this work. Bob provided mentorship and vision and so much support and encouragement. And he was always up for a laugh to offset the challenges of climate work. It has been an honor to continue the work with Active Philanthropy that Bob started. His legacy will last for many more lifetimes.
Thank you, Bob, for your boundless energy and all you did for science and humanity.
Thank you, Bob, for your boundless energy and all you did for science and humanity.
January 21, 2025
January 21, 2025
Bob’s passing will leave a massive hole in world. His passion for science, society, and people enabled Bob to bring so some many people from across the world to work together and to contribute to work on solutions to the most challenging issues facing the world today.
I first met Bob in the basement of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, where we were preparing reports for the first IGBP Scientific Advisory Committee in 1988. Bob was representing the US as the first Director of the US Global Change Research Program. That was not my last meeting with Bob.
Bob’s contribution to earth system science through his efforts to bring people from different sectors of society, not just scientists, to serve a common purpose to seek solutions to global environmental change. His efforts were Herculean in his unwavering energy and constant persuasion.
For several years, Bob and I worked at the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment on global change issues. He brought knowledge and energy to the Center and organized a number of science-policy discussions.
Throughout the years, Bob has been willing to share his time at workshops, conferences, and on the phone to engage on activities to promote dialogue across different sectors of society with the scientific communities active in understanding and seeking solutions to global environmental challenges.
Bob will be missed as a mentor, colleague and friend.
Dennis Ojima
Interim Director, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University
Emeritus Professor of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, CSU
Bob’s passing will leave a massive hole in world. His passion for science, society, and people enabled Bob to bring so some many people from across the world to work together and to contribute to work on solutions to the most challenging issues facing the world today.
I first met Bob in the basement of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, where we were preparing reports for the first IGBP Scientific Advisory Committee in 1988. Bob was representing the US as the first Director of the US Global Change Research Program. That was not my last meeting with Bob.
Bob’s contribution to earth system science through his efforts to bring people from different sectors of society, not just scientists, to serve a common purpose to seek solutions to global environmental change. His efforts were Herculean in his unwavering energy and constant persuasion.
For several years, Bob and I worked at the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment on global change issues. He brought knowledge and energy to the Center and organized a number of science-policy discussions.
Throughout the years, Bob has been willing to share his time at workshops, conferences, and on the phone to engage on activities to promote dialogue across different sectors of society with the scientific communities active in understanding and seeking solutions to global environmental challenges.
Bob will be missed as a mentor, colleague and friend.
Dennis Ojima
Interim Director, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University
Emeritus Professor of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, CSU
January 21, 2025
I worked with Bob Corell as a graduate student in the UNH ME department starting in 1973. Since I told him that I was interested in teaching he shared much advice about how to work with students. He often had one-liners and more often a short story. He was a master at motivation, I have often said not only could he sell refrigerators to Eskimos but also, he could make them buy some ice and love it. He was the Walt Disney of UNH Engineering. An example of his skill, I went for two-week trip (summer 1974) with him to Greenland (where its not green or warm), and he made it seem that we had travelled to Hawaii!
When my family and I came to UNH in 1973, we had no friends or family. Bob and his family went into “family/friend” mode immediately providing instant support. Jane and recall coming home from taking our son to the hospital after he was hit by a car in front of our home, 4 years after I graduated. As we approached our house we saw a car in our parking space, a car containing Bob and Billie Jo, with comfort and concern, we didn’t even know how he found out what had happened. Bob and his family went way past doing the traditional graduate student relationship. Bob and Billie Jo could always be counted on for support and friendship whenever needed.
Bob’s advice on how to work with students was pure gold. He said that when you are helping a student write a document, the best approach was to go through the document telling the student all the great things that he had done. After that add comments that advise the student on what needs further work. His short form one-liner was, “even when presented with a plate full of poop, you are bound to find something good”.
Other one-liners:
Never blow your own horn, let someone else do it, the music will be all the sweeter!
To be successful, all you need to do is to teach 100% of the time and do research 100% of the time!
Some people look for solutions to problems, others have solutions looking for problems.
You can always tell a successful student, he is one that keeps pushing you to do more rather than wait for next piece of work.
Real world problems are generally difficult to solve, but provide the most satisfaction.
When I retired from UNH my sons gave me a framed “Dilbert” cartoon, which basically concluded that, “engineers don’t idle well”. That most certainly was something I learned from Bob. I can recall being with my family in our apartment in Forest Park (now gone), and it looked directly at the outside window in Bob’s office. I could look out and when I saw the light on, I knew he was at work and I had to return to work too.
I know that I told Bob that I somewhat surprised that I made it successfully through my Ph.D. program. His response was, “I knew you would make it easily after our first summer together”. He told me the type of characteristics that made a good student. I have tried to use those in my own guidance experiences. I feel that Bob’s influence has been at my shoulder through my 30 + years at UNH. I tried to find solutions to the problems I found, just like Bob’s advised! I have tried to emulate his ideas.
Several people have influenced my life. Bob has had the largest effect of any non-family member … I actually consider him family, along with Billie Jo.
When my family and I came to UNH in 1973, we had no friends or family. Bob and his family went into “family/friend” mode immediately providing instant support. Jane and recall coming home from taking our son to the hospital after he was hit by a car in front of our home, 4 years after I graduated. As we approached our house we saw a car in our parking space, a car containing Bob and Billie Jo, with comfort and concern, we didn’t even know how he found out what had happened. Bob and his family went way past doing the traditional graduate student relationship. Bob and Billie Jo could always be counted on for support and friendship whenever needed.
Bob’s advice on how to work with students was pure gold. He said that when you are helping a student write a document, the best approach was to go through the document telling the student all the great things that he had done. After that add comments that advise the student on what needs further work. His short form one-liner was, “even when presented with a plate full of poop, you are bound to find something good”.
Other one-liners:
Never blow your own horn, let someone else do it, the music will be all the sweeter!
To be successful, all you need to do is to teach 100% of the time and do research 100% of the time!
Some people look for solutions to problems, others have solutions looking for problems.
You can always tell a successful student, he is one that keeps pushing you to do more rather than wait for next piece of work.
Real world problems are generally difficult to solve, but provide the most satisfaction.
When I retired from UNH my sons gave me a framed “Dilbert” cartoon, which basically concluded that, “engineers don’t idle well”. That most certainly was something I learned from Bob. I can recall being with my family in our apartment in Forest Park (now gone), and it looked directly at the outside window in Bob’s office. I could look out and when I saw the light on, I knew he was at work and I had to return to work too.
I know that I told Bob that I somewhat surprised that I made it successfully through my Ph.D. program. His response was, “I knew you would make it easily after our first summer together”. He told me the type of characteristics that made a good student. I have tried to use those in my own guidance experiences. I feel that Bob’s influence has been at my shoulder through my 30 + years at UNH. I tried to find solutions to the problems I found, just like Bob’s advised! I have tried to emulate his ideas.
Several people have influenced my life. Bob has had the largest effect of any non-family member … I actually consider him family, along with Billie Jo.
January 21, 2025
I am very saddened by Bob's passing. Bob was there at many of the meetings I attended as an early career scientist and his energy and enthusiasm showed me that there was always a way to get people to work together. He was able to turn a deadlocked situation into a forward-looking process simply by focusing on the positive outcomes of collaboration. A true people person. He will be missed
January 20, 2025
It is with great sadness to learn of Bob Corell’s passing. Among his many engagements to foster a sustainable world, he was a founding member of our collaborative Korea Maritime Institute – East-West Center “North Pacific Arctic Conference (NPAC).” This is how I met him some 13 years ago, and by then it meant more than meeting a scientist, but rather a legend. For NPAC, Bob was an inspiring and infectiously enthusiastic leader, participant, networker, internationalist, and communicator who mixed easily with colleagues of all ages, disciplines, and heritages. He constantly gave of himself – his expertise, his experience, his contacts, his time, but most of all his passion, always urging us to be ambitious and optimistic. Bob struck me as a person who lives life to the very fullest - who in his 80s would send friends a picture showing the view ahead from his dogsled in Greenland, would expand our knowledge by connecting us to a dialogue he was involved in, would recount stories of earlier periods of circumpolar cooperation to make a point, or would have a valley (cirque) permanently named after him in Antarctica to mark his commitment to polar research. In the past several years, Bob could not physically attend our meetings, but he remained a virtual presence, not just on screen but in our minds and hearts, urging us to continue and expand our work. His admonitions and sense of potential live on as inspirations for us.
January 20, 2025
All,
I owe a lot to Bob Corell. Bob was the Asst Director of NSF’s Division of Geosciences when I came on as Program Director in the Arctic Section. Although I was told I had the background and skills for the position (eg, Arctic research, Russian fluency) and was selected over a broad group of applicants, my Imposter Syndrome told me that it was only a matter of time before they found out how limited I was in every respect. Bob rescued me, worked with me closely on building the skills to operate at that level, and was always there to help. He was the strongest anchor and mentor I had during that time. …and afterwards.
And as others relate so well here, he was a terribly nice person, owned a great sense of humor, and was so very knowledgeable.
I will miss his advice, guidance, and fellowship. We all will miss him.
Doug
Professor, University of Alaska Anchorage
Associate, Arctic Initiative, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
I owe a lot to Bob Corell. Bob was the Asst Director of NSF’s Division of Geosciences when I came on as Program Director in the Arctic Section. Although I was told I had the background and skills for the position (eg, Arctic research, Russian fluency) and was selected over a broad group of applicants, my Imposter Syndrome told me that it was only a matter of time before they found out how limited I was in every respect. Bob rescued me, worked with me closely on building the skills to operate at that level, and was always there to help. He was the strongest anchor and mentor I had during that time. …and afterwards.
And as others relate so well here, he was a terribly nice person, owned a great sense of humor, and was so very knowledgeable.
I will miss his advice, guidance, and fellowship. We all will miss him.
Doug
Professor, University of Alaska Anchorage
Associate, Arctic Initiative, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
January 20, 2025
I was so sad to hear about Bob’s passing....... He was such an incredible person—not just because of all the amazing things he accomplished, but because of the way he connected with people. He had such a big impact on so many of us. And the stories! Oh, did Bob have stories. He could talk about anything, from the Murmansk Initiative and Mikhail Gorbachev to his experiences with Arthur Chilingarov, the legendary Armenian-Russian polar explorer. Listening to Bob was like getting a front-row seat to history, told with humor, wisdom, and heart. I had the privilege of getting to know Bob only three years ago, but through our weekly Zoom calls, we took important steps toward creating a science diplomacy library and working on the oral history of science diplomacy. While the project is far from complete, it’s thanks to Bob, along with Dr. Oran Young and Dr. Jenny Baeseman, that we’ve been able to make meaningful progress. Bob’s guidance, knowledge, and passion were invaluable to this work.
One of my favorite memories of Bob was his 90th birthday celebration. It was incredible to see so many of his dear colleagues and friends from the US and around the world come together to honor him. The love, admiration, and respect everyone had for Bob were so clear that day, and it truly reflected the remarkable person he was.
Thank you, Bob, for your friendship, your guidance, and your unwavering support. It meant so much to me personally and made a big difference in my life. As I talked to him just a few days ago, I am still trying to process this loss.
I’d love to hear everyone’s stories about Bob, too. Sharing those memories feels like the perfect way to celebrate him and the life he lived.
Rest easy, Bob. You’ll always be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration. THANK YOU, Bob for everything....
Larisa Schelkin,
CEO, Global STEM Education Center, Inc
Harvard University Global Education “Think Tank” 2015-2019
Fellow Education Policy, Rennie Center, IEL Washington, DC
Faculty, UNITAR Global Diplomacy Fellowship Program
One of my favorite memories of Bob was his 90th birthday celebration. It was incredible to see so many of his dear colleagues and friends from the US and around the world come together to honor him. The love, admiration, and respect everyone had for Bob were so clear that day, and it truly reflected the remarkable person he was.
Thank you, Bob, for your friendship, your guidance, and your unwavering support. It meant so much to me personally and made a big difference in my life. As I talked to him just a few days ago, I am still trying to process this loss.
I’d love to hear everyone’s stories about Bob, too. Sharing those memories feels like the perfect way to celebrate him and the life he lived.
Rest easy, Bob. You’ll always be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration. THANK YOU, Bob for everything....
Larisa Schelkin,
CEO, Global STEM Education Center, Inc
Harvard University Global Education “Think Tank” 2015-2019
Fellow Education Policy, Rennie Center, IEL Washington, DC
Faculty, UNITAR Global Diplomacy Fellowship Program
January 20, 2025
Bob was a titan and a big influence on my early career learning the ropes on Arctic, climate, and resilience. Despite his later years in Florida, he was also a Mainer so we'd chat about the peculiarities of our State before we'd launch into his always energetic assessments of what was to be done and who should do it. His advice was never general, he couched it in what had worked, who had gotten things done, and usually a stepwise framework for getting there. His passing is a big loss for the change movement and a reminder to never get complacent in the face of uncertainty.
January 20, 2025
Bob will be sorely missed by the international community, where he worked in multiple arenas simultaneously to promote informed decision making based on the best scientific information available.
My earliest interaction with him was in 1993 at a Harvard workshop on the use of social sciences data in the study of global change, where I was the NASA HQ Program Manager for the social science portion of the Distributed Active Archive Center, SEDAC. Bob was the Chair of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, so the biggest GCRP Boffin there was. We were all intimidated by his glasses floating on his forehead.
Bob hired me in June of 1994 to run the interim secretariat for the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI). Both NSF and NOAA were tasked with setting up this organization that sprang out of the Rio Accords, the subsequent Montevideo Agreement, and Pres. Bush’s pledge ‘to be the environmental President.’
Bob was instrumental in setting up the initial scientific agenda for the IAI, and for working with his equivalents in the Americas to secure a commonly funded organization that supports scientific research selected through merit based peer review.
He was politically astute, and (almost) unflappable. If asked, he would explain later what had got him riled, and how he dealt with it. The best of mentors.
I last spoke to him on his birthday and we talked about some of his ongoing projects: ultra high voltage power grids, Arctic Science, as well as several others. As active as ever, trying to make a better world for us wherever he went.
I already miss him terribly.
My earliest interaction with him was in 1993 at a Harvard workshop on the use of social sciences data in the study of global change, where I was the NASA HQ Program Manager for the social science portion of the Distributed Active Archive Center, SEDAC. Bob was the Chair of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, so the biggest GCRP Boffin there was. We were all intimidated by his glasses floating on his forehead.
Bob hired me in June of 1994 to run the interim secretariat for the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI). Both NSF and NOAA were tasked with setting up this organization that sprang out of the Rio Accords, the subsequent Montevideo Agreement, and Pres. Bush’s pledge ‘to be the environmental President.’
Bob was instrumental in setting up the initial scientific agenda for the IAI, and for working with his equivalents in the Americas to secure a commonly funded organization that supports scientific research selected through merit based peer review.
He was politically astute, and (almost) unflappable. If asked, he would explain later what had got him riled, and how he dealt with it. The best of mentors.
I last spoke to him on his birthday and we talked about some of his ongoing projects: ultra high voltage power grids, Arctic Science, as well as several others. As active as ever, trying to make a better world for us wherever he went.
I already miss him terribly.
January 20, 2025
I remember him as one of the best scientific communicators I’ve seen. He managed to make the complexity of Arctic climate change accessible to broad audiences. He was also very open to working with Arctic Indigenous peoples, and embraced Indigenous knowledge inputs at a time when few others were as open. One particular event I remember - I was travelling through the US with a group of Arctic Indigenous leaders, attempting to bring home the reality of people already experiencing climate change. We had an event for policymakers in Washington. We invited Bob to present also, knowing this particular audience would want some hard science with their anecdotal evidence. He did not disappoint, jaws dropped around the room as Bob showed zooplankton already showing deformations from ocean acidification in the north Pacific. We've lost a powerful voice in the fight to persuade people of reality.
January 20, 2025
I was a young scientist when I met Bob on a conference, were he talked about ACIA. I will remember him as a friendly open person warning us about what was coming.
January 20, 2025
A proposal was submitted by UCAR to NSF/Geoscience, where Bob was at the time Assistant Director, to launch a GPS Meteorological Satellite (GPS/Met). The satellite would provide a broad-based view of the atmosphere complementary to NOAA’s sounders. With Bob’s support I coordinated an effort to scrape together funding from among NSF, NASA/JPL, and NOAA and conducted a peer review. I was unable to put together a package of funding, and had to report to Bob that support for GPS Met was going to be unsuccessful. Apparently Bob made a call to a certain person with a sympathetic ear at OMB, and suddenly the funds appeared. This highly successful satellite developed by UCAR and JPL scientists and carried aboard a Pegasus launch vehicle “got NSF into the space business” and established a precedent for “smaller-faster-cheaper” access to space.
January 20, 2025
Bob was my friend, and he will be missed. He was a brilliant, generous and kindly scientist.
The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) is one of his many legacies.
May he rest in peace.
Pat Webber
Past President of IASC
The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) is one of his many legacies.
May he rest in peace.
Pat Webber
Past President of IASC
January 20, 2025
I met Bob through the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. I was leading one chapter and Bob, of course, was running the show. He had the rare ability to present a compelling vision for the ACIA and then invite the rest of us to join him in figuring out how to achieve that vision. Lesser leaders might have insisted on doing things their way, but Bob insisted on hearing from each of us and then weaving our best ideas into a single effort. This is not to say he was a pushover--to the contrary, he left no doubt about what he expected, but would then work twice as hard as anyone else to bring that about. And he combined that drive and vision with a personal touch. I remember going to dinner during one meeting and Bob said, "Come sit next to me." We spent the evening getting to know one another better, thanks to Bob's endless curiosity and generosity of spirit. Thanks to Bob, working on the ACIA was rewarding both intellectually and personally, a model I can only aspire to emulate. Thank you, Bob, for your leadership, your example, and your friendship.
January 20, 2025
What a sad way to start the year. Bob’s contribution to Global Change research was immense. As Executive Director of IGBP from 1994 to 1998, I worked closely with Bob in his role as IGFA Chair and NSF Global Change lead. He was a force of nature who excelled at navigating the complexities of national and international support. It was a pleasure and a thrill to work with him overcoming - or often burrowing through - barriers to progress - and to see the outcomes emerging. The dynamic duo of Bob and Lou Brown are a lasting and very fond memory. His level of engagement (eg; B2B etc) never faltered. The Planet has lost one of its most dynamic advocates.
Chris Rapley CBE MAE
Prof of Climate Science, University College London
Chair of the European Science Foundation's European Space Sciences Committee
Chris Rapley CBE MAE
Prof of Climate Science, University College London
Chair of the European Science Foundation's European Space Sciences Committee
January 20, 2025
What a sad news! Bob was such a great inspiration for polar and marine reserchers with amazing ideas how to connect and extend beyond our science and to consider topics relevant for society. I met Bob for the first time when we were invited to present Arctic issues on a royal evening event to Queen Beatrix of Netherlands and invited guests. Bob presented the complex Arctic topics in a clear and exciting way that captured all audience. In Ny Alesund, Spitzbergen, Bob focussed on collaboration amongst the scientists in the international research community to expand the reach of their work. His last project B2B aimed at highlighting the tremendous importance of the North Atlantic to our society and to bring the research of different nations together. I feel priviledged that I could join Bob on these occasions and experience an outstanding person. He will be missed by a worldwide science community and remembered with respect and fondness.
Karin Lochte
former Director Alfred Wegner Institute for Polar and Marine Research
Karin Lochte
former Director Alfred Wegner Institute for Polar and Marine Research
January 20, 2025
I was a program officer in NSF’s “GEO” Directorate when Bob was Assistant Director. The directorate’s advisory committee was pushing for bring science education into support for geoscience research. I proposed to Bob that I try and establish a geoscience education program for the directorate that would engage its three divisions and potentially collaboration with the “EHR” directorate. Bob could have balked at a plan to “integrate research and education,” as many in the agency at that time did, but instead offered his full support. This ultimately led to the blossoming of a vibrant geoscience education network and community that continues today. This never would have happened without Bob.
January 20, 2025
I want to join you in offering my respect, admiration and affection for Bob. Like many of you I had the privilege of working with Bob at NSF. His knowledge of the earth and deep commitment to deal with the threats posed by climate change enabled him to be one of America’s - indeed the world’s - leading public servants working inside and outside the U.S. government. Bob also understood the vital importance of international cooperation in science especially related to global challenges like climate. I offer my condolences to Bob’s family and many friends and colleagues all over the world. Best wishes to all of you.
Neal Lane
Senior Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute
Professor of Physics and Astronomy Emeritus, Rice University
Former Assistant to the President for Science and Technology
And Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Former Director of the National Science Foundation
Neal Lane
Senior Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute
Professor of Physics and Astronomy Emeritus, Rice University
Former Assistant to the President for Science and Technology
And Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Former Director of the National Science Foundation
January 20, 2025
Bob was, as he would call the many people whom he loved, a “gem.” Smart, passionate, fierce, and, most of all, interested in all he met as people and family.
And such a devoted, inspired, and unpredictable mentor — just a month ago, he left me a long voicemail telling me he thought I needed to listen to Handel’s Messiah on Christmas.
His vision and drive launched our team’s work with our climate simulator C-ROADS when we badly needed a climate science and US government insider who believed in us and all we could contribute. And then he led World Climate on Greenland trips for hundreds of rapt travelers. Our organization Climate Interactive would not have achieved all it has without Bob Corell.
And such a devoted, inspired, and unpredictable mentor — just a month ago, he left me a long voicemail telling me he thought I needed to listen to Handel’s Messiah on Christmas.
His vision and drive launched our team’s work with our climate simulator C-ROADS when we badly needed a climate science and US government insider who believed in us and all we could contribute. And then he led World Climate on Greenland trips for hundreds of rapt travelers. Our organization Climate Interactive would not have achieved all it has without Bob Corell.
January 20, 2025
We had regular zoom calls with Bob over several years, often once a week. The main topic was the B2BI initiative: "From Bermuda to Bear Island (B2BI)". He was oriented towards the future. As retirement sank in among us, the three of us here in Norway believed the best we could do together was to document and describe what we had learnt from the past as scientists and science diplomats. In the zoom call that turned out to be the last one, 8 January 2025, Bob was firmer than for a long time in his dedication and told us "We must invest in the future. I do not give up easily".
A very large old warden tree (Norwegian "tuntre", Swedish "vårdträd") has fallen. It happened as the liberal and international orientation of the US is challenged. Peace to his memory.
Lars Otto Reiersen
Paul Wassmann
Øystein Hov
A very large old warden tree (Norwegian "tuntre", Swedish "vårdträd") has fallen. It happened as the liberal and international orientation of the US is challenged. Peace to his memory.
Lars Otto Reiersen
Paul Wassmann
Øystein Hov
January 20, 2025
I worked with Bob many years ago when he was a leader at the National Science Foundation and I was Chair of the International Géosphère Biosphere Project. He was a always helpful to the project and has knowledge and advice much appreciated. We also worked together on a project for the European Marine Board. Bob was always full of wisdom and a joy to work with.
January 20, 2025
I'm so very sorry to hear that Bob has died. I was privileged to work with him on a sea-level paper a few years ago. His advice, knowledge and determination to explain the global problem we face clearly and firmly was an inspiration.
January 20, 2025
An Arctic institution is gone; always cheerful, always serious, always knowledgeable - a real friend to so many people. He will be missed, but also remembered for his important contributions. Rest in peace, Bob.
January 20, 2025
Bob will be greatly missed, remembered and referenced. He was a mentor like no other and a formidable source of so much knowledge and inspiration. We had long chats during a cruise off Svalbard where he taught me about the power of outreach. An amazing communicator. Thank you Bob. Rest in peace. Guillermo.
January 19, 2025
Bob was a friend, a mentor and an inspiration to me and to countless others. He contributed his expertise, common sense and good humor to many scientific institutions and policy organizations. Bob opened doors for young researchers. He gathered together people from many fields to collaborate on complex science/public policy issues. He advocated for research funding and for action to address climate change. He was not afraid to push for progress on the most pressing issues facing the world.
The last lunch we shared was in Tromso, in 2019; He described his newest effort to connect Arctic and Atlantic Ocean scientists and policy experts: B2BI: The North Atlantic-Arctic Ocean Strategic Framework. It was another one of Bob’s ideas to cross pollinate disciplines and regions to better understand critical interconnections and opportunities for collaboration.
I will miss Bob’s kindness, insatiable curiosity, wisdom and commitment to making the world a better place,
Fran Ulmer,
Former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska
1994-2002
Former Chair of the United States Arctic Research Commission
2011-2020
Bob will be missed.
The last lunch we shared was in Tromso, in 2019; He described his newest effort to connect Arctic and Atlantic Ocean scientists and policy experts: B2BI: The North Atlantic-Arctic Ocean Strategic Framework. It was another one of Bob’s ideas to cross pollinate disciplines and regions to better understand critical interconnections and opportunities for collaboration.
I will miss Bob’s kindness, insatiable curiosity, wisdom and commitment to making the world a better place,
Fran Ulmer,
Former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska
1994-2002
Former Chair of the United States Arctic Research Commission
2011-2020
Bob will be missed.
January 19, 2025
I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. I met Bob about ten years ago in Miami as I was finishing my PhD. Eager to explore science policy, Bob took me under his wing and gave me the opportunity to contribute to the North Pacific Arctic Council Conference in 2017. I am so appreciative of the confidence and support he gave me as my career developed. He always tried to stay in touch, I regret not having one more time to talk to him. I want to share my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Meredith Jennings
Houston, Texas
Meredith Jennings
Houston, Texas
January 19, 2025
During the time Bob chaired the eight-nation Arctic Climate Impact Assessment,I served on the US Arctic Research Commission and also worked on the policy “response” that, to begin with with, settled on a lowest common denominator call for more coordinated research. Bob stuck with it and in subsequent years the Arctic came together on fighting short-term forcers of climate change like black carbon and methane release, better coordination on evolving energy, and (at least) some geoengineering discussion. Bob kept the world on track, tied in what we’d learned on the ACIA to global climate science, and did it all with a smile, a relentless travel schedule and tireless energy.
Godspeed, sir.
Mead Treadwell
Lt. Governor, Alaska, 2010-2014
Chair, US Arctic Research Commission, 2006-2010 and Commissioner, 2001-2010
Godspeed, sir.
Mead Treadwell
Lt. Governor, Alaska, 2010-2014
Chair, US Arctic Research Commission, 2006-2010 and Commissioner, 2001-2010
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