Peking University, October 27, 2024: Chinese Geophysical Society held its annual awards ceremony at the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center on 21 October 2024. Institute Director Di Qingyun presented Chair Professor Song Xiaodong of Peking University (PKU) School of Earth and Space Sciences with the First Prize of the Institute Research and Innovation Award 2024. 

Professor Song graduated from the University of Science and Technology of China with a Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, before doing his masters at the China Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED) and his Ph.D. at the California Institute of Technology. Previously a researcher at Columbia University, he was a tenured professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before returning to China to teach at PKU. 

In his acceptance speech, Professor Song expressed gratitude to the Institute and his peers, and shared about his lifelong passion for geophysics. He pursued science as an undergraduate, focused on industrial needs during his postgraduate studies and explored unchartered research fields while studying and working abroad. 

Since 1998, Professor Song has published more than 120 papers, of which 70% are in collaboration with several tertiary institutions and academies across China. He left his long-standing teaching position in the United States to inspire bright young minds at PKU. His academic impact is evident with the remarkable increase in the citation rates of his published works.  

Apart from his research, he has been deeply committed to key national projects and pivotal research and development programs. He has actively contributed to the advancement of international journals and participated in numerous academic forums and discussions. 

The Institute of Geophysics Research and Innovation Award recognizes members who have made exceptional contributions to geophysical technology in China or achieved groundbreaking research. Recipients of the First Prize should have led cutting-edge innovations or technologies at the international level, generating significant economic or social benefits. 

Written by: Wong Jun Heng
Edited By: Phoon Hui Yin, Andrena
Source: PKU News (Chinese)