Yunliang Li | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yunliang Li | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Yunliang Li is a distinguished researcher specializing in hydrological studies of floodplain lakes, with significant contributions to understanding surface-groundwater interactions, lake flood-pulse processes, and hydrological connectivity in highly heterogeneous floodplain settings. He has independently developed the Lake-Catchment Simulator v1.0, a large-scale numerical model that assesses the hydrodynamic and environmental responses of floodplain lakes to natural and human disturbances. With 71 peer-reviewed publications (including 41 SCI papers) and over 1352 citations, along with two academic monographs, his work has gained substantial recognition. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the China National Committee on Large Dams and the Changjiang Technology and Economy Society, as well as honors from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Water Resources Science and Technology Talent. Holding 23 patents and software copyrights, his research not only advances scientific understanding but also contributes to practical environmental management. His future work aims to deepen insights into the impact of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on floodplain hydrodynamics, further cementing his influence in the field.

Professional Profile 

Education

Yunliang Li holds a strong academic background in hydrology and water resources, with advanced degrees that have laid the foundation for his expertise in floodplain lake dynamics and hydrological connectivity. He obtained his Ph.D. in Hydrology and Water Resources from a leading institution, where he conducted in-depth research on surface-groundwater interactions and floodplain hydrodynamics. Prior to that, he earned his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in related fields, equipping him with a solid understanding of eco-hydrology, numerical modeling, and environmental water management. His academic journey has been marked by interdisciplinary learning, innovative research, and technical skill development, enabling him to make substantial contributions to the field of hydrological science.

Professional Experience

Yunliang Li has an extensive professional background in hydrological research, focusing on floodplain lake dynamics, surface-groundwater interactions, and eco-hydrological modeling. He has been actively engaged in scientific research and technological innovation, contributing significantly to the development of hydrological connectivity theories and large-scale numerical simulation tools such as the Lake-Catchment Simulator v1.0. Throughout his career, he has led and participated in numerous high-impact research projects, systematically assessing the effects of extreme hydrological events and human activities on floodplain lakes like Poyang Lake. His expertise has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards and leadership roles in scientific committees, research institutions, and environmental assessment initiatives. In addition to his academic contributions, he has played a key role in patent development and software innovation, further bridging the gap between scientific research and practical water resource management. His ongoing work continues to advance the understanding of hydrodynamic processes, influencing both national and international water management strategies.

Research Interest

Yunliang Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydrology, eco-hydrodynamics, and environmental water management, with a particular focus on floodplain lake systems. He is dedicated to understanding surface-groundwater interactions, the hydrological connectivity of heterogeneous floodplains, and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on lake hydrodynamics. His work involves developing advanced numerical modeling techniques, such as the Lake-Catchment Simulator v1.0, to assess hydrodynamic and environmental changes under extreme hydrological events and human interventions. Additionally, he is deeply interested in hydrological regulation, ecological restoration, and water resource sustainability, aiming to bridge theoretical research with practical applications for flood risk management, ecosystem conservation, and climate adaptation strategies. Through his research, he seeks to provide scientific insights and technical solutions for better managing floodplain lakes and water environments in response to global environmental changes.

Award nd Honor

Yunliang Li has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to hydrological research and water resource management. He was awarded the Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress by both the China National Committee on Large Dams and the Changjiang Technology and Economy Society, highlighting his pioneering work in floodplain hydrodynamics and hydrological connectivity. He has also been honored as an Excellent Member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and was selected for the Jiangxi Province Thousand Talents Program, demonstrating his influence in advancing eco-hydrological research. Additionally, he has been recognized by the Ministry of Water Resources Science and Technology Talent Program for his contributions to water science and technology innovation. With 23 patents and software copyrights, his research has not only expanded scientific knowledge but also provided practical solutions for water resource management and environmental sustainability. These accolades underscore his leadership and impact in the field of hydrology.

Conclusion

Yunliang Li is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His groundbreaking contributions to hydrological connectivity, floodplain lake dynamics, and numerical modeling demonstrate excellence. His publication record, patents, and national recognition underscore his impact. Strengthening international collaborations and interdisciplinary applications could further enhance his standing. Given his contributions and achievements, he is a strong contender for this award.

Publications Top Noted

  1. Title: A distributed and process-based model coupling water-sediment-antibiotic interactions to simulate dynamic source-transport-fate of antibiotics at catchment scale

    • Authors: H. Xie, Hui; M. Shang, Meiqi; J. Dong, Jianwei; Y. Li, Yunliang; X.J. Lai, Xijun Jun

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 1

  2. Title: How do agricultural polders modulate nutrient dynamics under extreme flooding: Insights for water management in lowland areas

    • Authors: H. Xie, Hui; Y. Li, Yunliang; M. Shang, Meiqi; Y. Wang, Yang; X.J. Lai, Xijun Jun

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 0

  3. Title: Disentangling the spatially combined and temporally lagged influences of climate oscillations on seasonal droughts in the East Asian monsoon influenced Poyang Lake Basin

    • Authors: Z. Xing, Zikang; J. Wei, Jianhui; Y. Li, Yunliang; P. Laux, Patrick; H. Kunstmann, Harald

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 3

  4. Title: Hydrological Modeling to Unravel the Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity and Attribution of Baseflow in the Yangtze River Source Area, China

    • Authors: H. Ren, Huazhun; G. Wu, Guangdong; L. Shu, Longchang; Y. Li, Yunliang; Y. Wang, Yuxuan

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 0

  5. Title: Unravelling groundwater budget in the Poyang floodplain system under intensifying seasonal lake inundation

    • Authors: W. Jiang, Wenyu; B. Liu, Bo; Y. Li, Yunliang; C. Lu, Chengpeng; L. Shu, Longchang

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 2

  6. Title: The effects of damming and dam regulation on a river–lake-aquifer system: 3D groundwater flow modeling of Poyang Lake (China)

    • Authors: W. Jiang, Wenyu; B. Liu, Bo; Y. Li, Yunliang; C. Lu, Chengpeng; L. Shu, Longchang

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 3

  7. Title: Unveiling ionic structure in the LiF-NdF3 molten salt system as determined by Raman spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations

    • Authors: M. Lin, Ming; J. Guan, Jinzhao; M. Aziz Diop, Mouhamadou; Y. Li, Yunliang; P. Chen, Peng

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 2

  8. Title: Revealing temporal variation of baseflow and its underlying causes in the source region of the Yangtze River (China)

    • Authors: G. Wu, Guangdong; J. Zhang, Jianyun; Y. Li, Yunliang; H. Ren, Huazhun; M. Yang, Mingzhi

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 6

  9. Title: Tracing Water Recharge and Transport in the Root-Zone Soil of Different Vegetation Types in the Poyang Lake Floodplain Wetland (China) Using Stable Isotopes

    • Authors: X. Xu, Xiuli; J. Zhao, Jun; G. Wu, Guangdong; Y. Li, Yunliang; L. Hou, Lili

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1

  10. Title: Impact of the Three Gorges Dam on hydrological connectivity and vegetation growth of Poyang Lake floodplain, China

  • Authors: J. Zeng, Jinfeng; J. Qiu, Jingfeng; Z. Wu, Zeyu; X. Liu, Xinggen; Y. Li, Yunliang

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 10

 

 

Yuxiang Ying | Climate Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yuxiang Ying | Climate Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Dr. Yuzhong Yang is a Full Professor at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences. With over 15 years of research experience, he specializes in permafrost hydrology and environmental studies on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. His groundbreaking work includes establishing a 3D water isotope hydrogeochemical monitoring network, developing the first ground ice isotope database, and proposing a permafrost hydrology concept model integrating ice-water phase changes. He has authored 40+ research papers, led 12+ major national research projects, and holds three invention patents. As an editorial committee member and an active contributor to the scientific community, Dr. Yang continues to advance the understanding of permafrost evolution and its hydrological impacts. His contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the Youth Scientist category.

Professional Profile 

Education
Dr. Yuzhong Yang obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in 2014, specializing in frozen soil engineering at the State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering. Prior to that, he completed his Master’s degree (2008–2011) at the Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He earned his Bachelor’s degree (2004–2008) from Jilin University, where he studied at the College of Environment and Resources. His academic journey has been focused on permafrost hydrology and environmental research, laying the foundation for his extensive contributions to the field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Yuzhong Yang is a Full Professor at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), where he has been contributing to permafrost hydrology research. He previously served as an Associate Professor (2019–2024) at the State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering. Before that, he worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher (2019–2021) at Michigan Technological University, focusing on forest resources and environmental science. Throughout his career, Dr. Yang has led 12+ national and provincial research projects, published 40+ research papers, and secured three invention patents. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of ground ice hydrology and permafrost evolution, making him a leading researcher in his field.

Research Interest

Dr. Yuzhong Yang’s research focuses on permafrost hydrology and the permafrost environment, particularly in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. His work explores ground ice dynamics, ice-water phase changes, and their hydrological impacts. He has developed a 3D water isotope hydrogeochemical monitoring network to study permafrost water cycles and has pioneered a permafrost hydrology concept model that quantifies the contributions of melting ground ice to regional hydrology. Additionally, he established the first ground ice isotope database, providing critical insights into permafrost evolution. His research plays a vital role in understanding climate change effects on frozen soil and hydrological systems.

Award and Honor

Dr. Yuzhong Yang has received recognition for his significant contributions to permafrost hydrology and environmental research. He has been honored with multiple national and provincial research grants, including funding from the National Key R&D Program and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). His research achievements have also earned him a place on the Young Editorial Committee of the Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology (since 2025). Additionally, he serves as a committee member of the Youth Working Committee of the China Society of Cryospheric Science, reflecting his leadership in the field. His pioneering work on ground ice isotope databases and permafrost hydrology models has positioned him as a strong contender for prestigious awards, including the Youth Scientist Award.

Conclusion

Dr. Yuzhong Yang has a strong research background in permafrost hydrology, with impactful contributions to the field. His publication record, research leadership, and innovative contributions make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening international collaborations and industry engagements would further enhance his research impact. Given his expertise and leadership in permafrost hydrology, he is a strong contender for the Youth Scientist Award.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Seasonal variations in groundwater chemistry and quality and associated health risks from domestic wells and crucial constraints in the Pearl River Delta

    • Authors: X. Zhou, Xingyu; J. Sun, Jia; H. Yi, Hulong; T. Xiao, Tangfu; J. Cui, Jinli

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 0

  • Title: Climate warming and wetting pose a severe threat to permafrost engineering stability on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau

    • Authors: X. Xu, Xiaoming; Z. Zhang, Zhongqiong; B. Tai, Bowen; Y. Yang, Yuzhong; Q. Wu, Qingbai

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 0

  • Title: Water budgets in an arid and alpine permafrost basin: Observations from the High Mountain Asia

    • Authors: Q. Wang, Qingfeng; H. Jin, Huijun; D. Luo, Dongliang; V.F. Bense, Victor F.; Q. Wu, Qingbai

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 0