Dr. Holmes is a widely cited earth scientist who has co-founded and led multiple large river research networks, including Global Rivers Observatory, Arctic Great Rivers Observatory, Cape Cod Rivers Observatory, and Science on the Fly, an initiative that unites the fly-fishing and science communities to study and protect rivers around the world.
Dr. R. Max Holmes is motivated by a vision of science that connects people with each other and the natural world, and which drives urgently needed solutions to the climate crisis. He joined Woodwell Climate Research Center as a scientist in 2005, and served as Deputy Director for five years prior to becoming President and CEO in 2021.
His globe-spanning career, track record of community-based science, and innate passion for interacting with new people and ideas position Dr. Holmes to engage diverse audiences with his inspiring, action-oriented vision for our climate future. He is a sought-after speaker at venues ranging from TEDx to Davos to Mountainfilm, and has been quoted by top news outlets including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Independent.
He previously served as director of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Arctic Systems Science Program, was elected National Fellow of the Explorers Club in 2015, and served on the 2022 Earthshot Prize host committee.
