Walking Science's Narrow Path

Zavia Janji may mostly be remembered for his pioneering contributions that allowed for the advancement of weather forecasting, which we witnessed over the last 40 years. In the scientific community, he is valued for his remarkable knowledge and intellect that formed the basis of his legacy of innovation, rigour and achievement in atmospheric science. His accomplishments were honored with numerous prestigious awards, and his ingenuity, brightness, kindness and humour kindled respect and dedication in his many colleagues and students. Upon Zavia Janjis passing, collaborators and students endeavored to describe his person and his work by assembling the details of his journey on the narrow path to true success in science -- a path that is reserved for a select few. As a young student, Zavia started work on his first limited area numerical weather prediction model, which became operational at the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of the former Yugoslavia in 1978. Janji was able to solve several difficult scientific questions during the model design and development phase, which helped lay the foundation for his models. Starting in the mid-to-late eighties, Professor Janji worked on parameterisations of numerous physical processes. This work developed over the longest portion of his career, lasting over 20 years. It included the development of Eta, Weather Research and Forecasting Nonhydrostatic Mesoscale Model (WRF-NMM) and Non-hydrostatic Meso-scale Model on B grid (NMMB), which were National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) weather prediction models. Readers of this book will also enjoy a reprint of an interview with Professor Janji; a professional biography with Professor Janjis specific contributions and references to scientific papers; commemorative letters from several directors of major meteorological centers describing how they saw Professor Janjis work in atmospheric science; and photos and documents from Janjis life and work. Interlacing his life story with a working biography, writers and editors of this book hope to inspire the coming generation of scientists, as well as provide a timely tribute to Professor Janjis contribution to atmospheric science.