Assistant Professor He Xiaogang from the National University of Singapore (NUS) won the first-ever Global Climate Research Prize on June 10 for his innovative work on reusing floodwaters to reduce drought-induced water scarcity [1, 2]. He prevailed over three finalists from Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Toronto to secure the prize [1, 2].
The biennial prize was established by Clare Hall at the University of Cambridge and LUT University. It recognizes pioneering global climate research addressing urgent water and environmental challenges [1, 2]. Prize funders include the City of Lappeenranta and the Finnish foundation Marjatta ja Eino Kollin Säätiö [1, 2].
He’s research draws on 67 years of global drought and flood data to demonstrate how these events are increasingly occurring in rapid succession, threatening food and water security worldwide [1, 2]. He has developed novel frameworks to better predict and manage these water hazards. This includes methods for capturing, storing, and reusing floodwaters during dry periods to strengthen groundwater supplies [1, 2].
He said, "Winning the inaugural Global Climate Research Prize is beyond anything I could have imagined, especially being selected alongside such distinguished researchers... including Nobel Laureate Prof Omar Yaghi of University of California, Berkeley, whose pioneering work on materials that harvest water from desert air using solar energy continues to inspire and complement my own research on climate extremes" [1].
The €200,000 (S$297,000) prize money will go to NUS to support further research in the field [1, 2]. Following the award, Clare Hall and LUT University issued a joint statement on June 11 praising He’s contributions to drought resilience and groundwater sustainability [1, 2].
A key priority for He is training the next generation of local climate scientists to tackle environmental challenges in Singapore and beyond [1, 2].
