Dr Sara Basart has been a Scientific Officer at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) since January 2023. Prior to that, she was a researcher at the globally renowned Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC). Named in the 2024 edition of the Spanish National Research Council’s list of prominent female Spanish researchers, Sara’s main focus is on how aerosols and reactive gases drive atmospheric variability and affect weather and climate systems. She also examines the broader implications of these changes on ocean biogeochemistry, air quality, human health, and socioeconomic sectors, such as energy and transportation. She is an expert in developing atmospheric models using high-performance computing platforms and in operational forecasting.
How did your academic background shape your career in meteorology and environmental engineering?
I’ve always had a preference for numbers over letters, so studying physics felt like a natural choice. I wanted to understand the Earth through mathematical equations and to be able to predict whether it would rain tomorrow—weather predictions have always fascinated me.
After earning my undergraduate degree in Physics and a master’s in Meteorology at the University of Barcelona, I received a PhD in Environmental Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

What are some of the key contributions you’ve made to the field of meteorology?
My career has taken me through many enriching roles. I started as a Student Assistant at the Catalan Meteorological Service and later became an Air Quality Specialist for the Government of Catalonia. My focus on sand and dust storms began at the Izaña Atmospheric Research Center, part of AEMET, where I worked as a Graduate Research Assistant and a Predoctoral Research Scientist.
Collaborating with international institutions like NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, the Finnish Meteorological Institute, and the Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement in France was a highlight of my career. One of my proudest achievements was leading the scientific developments of the
WMO Barcelona Dust Regional Center, which connected scientists, providers, and users of dust information. That network continues to thrive, bridging gaps between diverse groups and countries. It’s deeply fulfilling to see our work now integrated into UN and European Commission initiatives.
What challenges and opportunities have you encountered as a woman in science?
Being a woman in science has been both challenging and rewarding. I was the only woman in my high school physics class, and during university, the gender ratio wasn’t much better. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that the balance hasn’t improved significantly over the years.
However, I am encouraged to see more women in meteorology and research departments today, even though leadership positions are still largely male-dominated. For example, I designed training sessions on sand and dust storms for Spanish translators and interpreters in UN organizations. I love seeing how those sessions have informed climate change conferences and technical reports.
Female scientists such as Sara are increasingly achieving exceptional professional success. In today’s complex and highly competitive world, their dedication and unwavering commitment are essential to advancing scientific progress.