Prof. Jianli Chen elected as an AGU Fellow
Prof. Jianli Chen, a full professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been elected as an AGU Fellow. Prior to joining PolyU under the Strategic Hiring Scheme in 2022, Prof. Chen dedicated 28 years of his academic career to the Center for Space Research at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a globally recognized expert in space geodesy and its applications in Earth sciences. In 2005, he received the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor in the United States for early career scientists and engineers, making him the first recipient in the field of geodesy.
Prof. Chen joins a prestigious group of 54 individuals in the 2024 Class of AGU Fellows. The American Geophysical Union (AGU), the world's largest Earth and space science association, annually bestows this honor on a select number of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields. Since its inception in 1962, less than 0.1% of AGU members have been selected as Fellows each year.
AGU Fellows are recognized for their scientific eminence, demonstrated through breakthroughs, discoveries, or innovations that advance Earth and space sciences. They also serve as external experts, advising government agencies and other organizations upon request. Prof. Chen was selected for his exemplary leadership and outstanding scientific achievements, which have significantly advanced our understanding of space geodesy and global climate change.
Prof. Chen has been extensively involved in data processing, results validation, and geophysical interpretation of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite gravity mission. He is a leading science team member of both the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On missions. His pioneering contributions to the study of global sea level rise, glacial melting, terrestrial water storage change, and groundwater depletion using GRACE/GRACE-FO satellite gravity measurements and other geodetic observations have been widely recognized. His research has been covered by numerous media outlets worldwide, including USA Today, BBC News, The Washington Post, Discovery News, National Geographic, ABC (Australia), New Scientist, China Daily, People’s Daily, and CCTV.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to be elected as an AGU Fellow. This recognition is not only for myself but also for the people who have worked with and supported me over the years. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my research," said Prof. Jianli Chen.
Honorees will be recognized at AGU24, which will convene more than 25,000 attendees from over 100 countries in Washington, D.C., and online from December 9-13, 2024. Reflecting the theme 'What's Next for Science,' the Honors Reception will celebrate groundbreaking achievements that illustrate the continual advancement of science, inspiring the AGU community with their stories and successes.
