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We bring together students and collaborators working across observations, modeling, AI, hydrology, ecology, climate, and energy.

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More about PI
Zhenzhong Zeng portrait

Principal Investigator

Zhenzhong Zeng

Vice Dean and Professor, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Professor, Institute for Advanced Artificial Intelligence, Southern University of Science and Technology

Professor Zhenzhong Zeng studies biosphere-atmosphere interactions, global change and the Earth system, climate-change impacts, climate mitigation and adaptation, and AI for geoscience and energy.

Earth System & Global Change LAB

Education

  • B.S. in Geography Science, Sun Yat-sen University (2007-2011)
  • Ph.D. in Physical Geography, Peking University (2011-2016; supervisor: Prof. Shilong Piao)
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Princeton University (2016-2019; mentor: Dr. Eric F. Wood)

Experience

  • Professor, Southern University of Science and Technology (since 2024.06)
  • Associate Professor, Southern University of Science and Technology (2019.09-2024.06)
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Princeton University (2016-2019)

Honors

  • 2025 Highly Cited Researchers (Geosciences)
  • 2025 Highly Cited Researchers (Environment and Ecology)
  • Changjiang Distinguished Expert, Ministry of Education of China (2022)
  • AOGS HS Kamide Lecturer (2022)
  • Qiushi Outstanding Young Scholar Award (2020)
  • Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers (2020-2025)
  • Top 2% Scientists Worldwide by Stanford University
meeting

Professor Zhenzhong Zeng participated in the Lancang-Mekong Basin Seminar at North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power.

The Shenzhen Meteorological Bureau visit connected lab members with operational meteorological observation and service practice, broadening links between research and application.

The first Environmental Science and Technology Culture Festival gave the lab a platform for display and exchange, bringing environmental science topics to a broader audience.

The observatory visit took lab exchange into an observation setting, broadening members' curiosity about natural systems.

Lin Ziyu's thesis defense records a key step in academic training and the lab's role in support and growth.

On June 12, Zou Xinyu and Gao Gefan took part in a competition, showing initiative and teamwork beyond routine research training.

On May 8, 2026, Qin Yingzuo completed a thesis defense, with the lab witnessing an important academic milestone together.

This 2026 dinner records another everyday gathering, preserving space for easy conversation beyond research work.

The 2026 New Year's Day dinner opened the year in a relaxed way, carrying forward the lab's supportive atmosphere around the table.

The 2025 Thailand field visit extended the lab's international observation settings and added field experience for understanding regional environment and human-Earth relations.

The 2024 year-end hike took the lab gathering outdoors, giving members a shared way to close the year's work through walking and conversation.

In October 2023, the lab gathered for Feng Yu's farewell, recording support and good wishes across a moment of transition.

In September 2023, lab members joined Feng Yu and Wu Jie for their wedding, adding a personal celebration to the group's shared memories.

The 2023 Xinjiang field visit brought the lab's research perspective into the field, deepening shared understanding through observation and discussion.

In April 2023, the lab gathered for team building at Feilin Villa and a farewell for Xinyue, closing a shared chapter with warmth.

During the 2022 National Day holiday, the lab spent time outdoors at Hongqiao Park, relaxing and connecting in nature.

Zhou Lihong's 2022 thesis defense marked an important academic milestone and a moment of shared witness for the lab.

The 2021 New Year moment captured the lab welcoming a new year and looking ahead to the next stage of research and life.

The December 23, 2020 birthday gathering added a warm year-end ritual as lab members celebrated another year together.

On Teachers' Day 2020, the lab marked a moment of shared work and appreciation for mentorship, collaboration, and exploration.

The first-half 2020 birthday gathering kept up the lab's tradition of mutual support, adding a warm pause to a busy research rhythm.

In June 2020, the lab visited a succulent garden, using the outdoor setting to unwind, talk, and build everyday rapport.

Prof. Zeng's birthday celebration captured good-humored wishes from the group and the lab's close, open atmosphere.

The first-half 2019 birthday gathering brought lab members together for a relaxed celebration and a shared marker of growth.