Tsinghua University held an appointment ceremony to welcome Professor Chen Deliang, a globally acclaimed climate scientist, as a newly appointed chair professor on November 26. The event was attended by Tsinghua University President Li Luming, with Vice-President Wang Hongwei presiding.
Li Luming addresses the ceremony.
On behalf of Tsinghua University, Li extended a warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to Chen for joining the University full-time and for his outstanding contributions to talent cultivation and the development of Earth Sciences at Tsinghua. Li said Tsinghua is proactively implementing the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, advancing its core strategy of strengthening the University through talent development. The University is committed to attracting and cultivating more world-class scholars to foster top-tier innovative talents and contribute to high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, he added.
As an internationally renowned climate scientist, Chen embodies the noble spirit of a scientist, a profound dedication to the nation, and a global vision focused on the welfare of humanity, Li said. Li said he looked forward to Chen enriching Tsinghua’s collaborative endeavors, leveraging his extensive teaching experience, robust research expertise, and broad international academic influence to significantly enhance the development of disciplines such as Earth System Science at Tsinghua. His contributions are expected to propel Tsinghua closer to its goal of becoming a leading world-class university, creating a globally attractive and nurturing academic environment, and supporting national efforts in strengthening education, science and technology, and talent.
Chen Deliang at the appointment ceremony.
Chen reflected on his long-standing collaboration with Tsinghua University, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the support and care he has received from the University, and his colleagues and friends. He said Tsinghua provides an unparalleled academic environment, enabling continued innovation and breakthroughs in areas such as climate and environmental change.
He stated that science and technology are the core driving forces of social progress, particularly in the environmental field, where many major challenges are global in nature and require effective international cooperation to address. He emphasized that the study and application of climate resilience are fundamental to Earth System Science and sustainable development research.
Looking ahead, Chen pledged to focus more on advancing research and education in climate resilience. He said he aims to leverage Tsinghua's strengths to enhance collaboration with partners both within and outside the University, driving the development of Earth System Science. Through these efforts, he hopes to contribute knowledge and solutions to global environmental challenges and the pursuit of sustainable development worldwide.
Li Luming (right) presents the appointment certificate to Chen Deliang.
Li Luming (right) and Wang Hongwei (left) with Chen Deliang and his wife.
At the appointment ceremony, Li presented Chen with the certificates of Tsinghua University Chair Professor and Xinghua Distinguished Chair Professor of Tsinghua University.
Yao Tandong addresses the ceremony.
Academician Yao Tandong, honorary director and researcher from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, paid tribute and congratulated Chen on his decision to return to China as a full-time professor and on his appointment as a chair professor at Tsinghua.
He noted that Chen is a globally renowned climate scientist and a world-class strategic scientist with forward-looking scientific vision and international influence. Chen has made significant contributions to leading and coordinating global scientific cooperation and development, he said.
Yao said he believed the perfect integration of a world-class scientist and a world-class scientific platform will enable Chen and Tsinghua to drive progress in science, elevate international collaboration to new heights, and achieve innovative breakthroughs for China’s scientific community.
The appointment ceremony
Participants of the appointment ceremony
Chen Deliang is an internationally renowned climate scientist, an advocate and practitioner of Earth System Science, and a strategic scientist with a global perspective. His research focuses on climate change, its causes and impacts, and climate dynamics. He is a leading expert and pioneer in climate downscaling models and enjoys a high reputation on the international stage.
Chen has been elected a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, a foreign member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a member of the World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries, a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, a member of the Royal Society of Arts and Sciences in Gothenburg, and a fellow of the International Science Council. He has received the H. M. The King's Medal in the 8th size with the Order of the Seraphim ribbon and was listed among the Top 1,000 Climate Scientists globally by Reuters. In 2017, he was awarded the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award.
As the only executive director with Chinese origin since the establishment of the International Council for Science（ICSU), Chen organized and developed a global visioning process for Natural Sciences and Earth System Science, and led the launch of the large-scale international scientific research program "Future Earth," which has had a profound impact on global ecology, environment and climate research, and sustainable development. With a deep concern for his homeland, he has devoted himself to advancing China’s scientific endeavors and has long served as the science director at the National Climate Center and as the chair of the International Scientific Advisory Committee of the Institute of Urban Meteorology, Beijing. Thanks to his efforts, the International Council for Science launched the "Integrated Research on Disaster Risk" and the "Urban Health & Well-being" projects, providing important platforms for Chinese scientists to participate in international scientific research.
Editors：Li Han, JP
