ice thickness and surface circulation in polar oceans. This work would lead to the successful development of the European Space Agency's CryoSat mission. Sadly, Professor Laxon died following an accident in 2013.

The role of CPOM Director was succeeded by Professor Andrew Shepherd. Professor Shepherd is an expert in remote observations of the Cryosphere, and is Principal Scientific Advisor to the European Space Agency's CryoSat mission, and co-leader of the Ice Sheet Mass Balance Inter-comparison Exercise.