Dr. Yilong Lyu | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yilong Lyu | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yilong Lyu | Planetary Sciences – Research Assistant at Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Yilong Lyu is an emerging scholar in physical oceanography with an impressive track record of research focused on tropical ocean circulation and climate variability. His multidisciplinary background in atmospheric and ocean sciences, combined with field, modeling, and international research experience, positions him as a promising leader in climate-ocean dynamics. He is recognized for his technical expertise, particularly in ocean circulation modeling using HYCOM, and his contributions to understanding ENSO-related variability and subsurface ocean processes. His work is published in leading international journals, and he continues to build a strong academic presence through collaborative research and targeted investigations of large-scale climate phenomena.

Profile Verified:

ORCID | Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Lyu obtained his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the CAS Key Laboratory of Ocean Circulation and Waves, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2013–2019). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from Lanzhou University (2009–2013). This strong foundation in both atmospheric and ocean sciences has shaped his research capacity to bridge interdisciplinary topics within earth system science.

Experience:

Dr. Lyu is currently an Assistant Researcher at the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, a position he has held since 2022. He was previously a Postdoctoral Researcher at the same institute from 2019 to 2021. In 2023, he expanded his global collaboration network as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Colorado Boulder, working under the mentorship of Professor Weiqing Han. He has also participated in several key field campaigns aboard R/V KEXUE, serving as both a watch-stander and team leader for mooring deployments and recoveries in the Western Pacific. In addition, he has taught and mentored students as a Teaching Assistant in Tropical Ocean Circulation courses at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Research Interest:

Dr. Lyu’s research interests lie in tropical and subtropical ocean circulation, climate variability, and the dynamics of the Equatorial Undercurrent and intermediate currents. He specializes in high-resolution ocean modeling, particularly using HYCOM systems, to investigate the effects of ENSO events, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and surface salinity and heat flux variations. His integrated approach—combining theory, numerical modeling, and observational data—provides deep insights into the physical mechanisms governing oceanic responses to climate forcing.

Award and Research Funding:

Dr. Lyu is the recipient of a competitive research grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) titled “The Influence of ENSO Diversity on the Variability of the Equatorial Undercurrent in Its Origin” (2022–2024), valued at ¥300,000. This funding recognizes the significance and originality of his work in advancing the understanding of climate-ocean interactions and supports his continued scientific growth.

Selected Publications:

📘 Contrasting intraseasonal variations of the equatorial Pacific Ocean between the 1997–1998 and 2015–2016 El Niño events, Geophysical Research Letters, 2018 – Cited by 110+ articles.

🌊 Anomalous Upper-Ocean Circulation of the Western Equatorial Pacific following El Niño Events, Journal of Physical Oceanography, 2020 – Cited by 60+ articles.

💧 Surface salinity changes of the tropical and subtropical oceans since 1970 and their relationship with surface freshwater fluxes, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 2023 – Cited by 15+ articles.

🌐 Interannual variability of lower equatorial intermediate current response to ENSO in the Western Pacific, Geophysical Research Letters, 2020 – Cited by 50+ articles.

📉 Interdecadal modulation of ENSO-related anomalous Equatorial Intermediate Currents in the western Pacific by the PDO, Geophysical Research Letters, 2022 – Cited by 25+ articles.

🌡️ Emergence of the North Pacific heat storage pattern delayed by decadal wind-driven redistribution, Nature Communications, 2025 – Already gaining attention.

🌊 Intensified deep ocean variability induced by topographic Rossby waves at the Pacific Yap-Mariana Junction, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 2019 – Cited by 45+ articles.

Conclusion:

Dr. Yilong Lyu has demonstrated outstanding potential and scientific excellence in the field of oceanography through his innovative research, advanced modeling skills, and collaborative field experience. His contributions to understanding ocean-climate interactions, particularly in the Pacific region, are critical to improving climate prediction and modeling. With a growing body of influential publications and international collaborations, he is well-positioned to make lasting impacts in marine and climate sciences. Dr. Lyu’s academic profile, leadership in funded research, and scientific achievements make him a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

 

 

Dr. Amanda Moreira Leite – Earth and Planetary Sciences – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amanda Moreira Leite - Earth and Planetary Sciences - Best Researcher Award

Universidade de Brasília - Brazil

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Amanda Moreira Leite began her academic journey with a keen interest in the natural world, particularly in the intricate history preserved within the Earth's geological formations. From a young age, she displayed a passion for unraveling the mysteries of the past, laying the foundation for her future pursuits in geology. Leite's early academic pursuits were marked by a relentless curiosity and dedication to understanding the processes that have shaped our planet over millions of years.

Throughout her undergraduate studies, Leite delved deep into the realms of geology, immersing herself in coursework that explored various aspects of earth sciences. She exhibited exceptional aptitude and enthusiasm for subjects such as paleontology, biostratigraphy, and paleoecology, setting the stage for her specialization in these fields during her postgraduate studies.

Professional Endeavors

After obtaining her PhD in Geology, Amanda Moreira Leite embarked on a fruitful career as a researcher, joining the esteemed Institute of Geosciences at the University of Brasília, Brazil. Here, she has dedicated herself to advancing knowledge in her areas of specialization, contributing significantly to the scientific community through her research endeavors and academic pursuits.

Leite's professional endeavors have been characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, combining geological principles with biological insights to unravel the complexities of ancient ecosystems and evolutionary processes. Her work has spanned diverse geological settings, from fossil-rich sedimentary deposits to ancient marine environments, providing invaluable insights into the history of life on Earth.

Contributions and Research Focus On Earth and Planetary Sciences

At the forefront of Leite's research agenda lies a deep-seated fascination with the evolution of life and the dynamic interplay between organisms and their environments throughout geological time. Through meticulous fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and innovative methodologies, she has shed light on the intricate relationships between past organisms and their habitats, unveiling the evolutionary trajectories that have shaped the biodiversity of our planet.

Leite's research focus encompasses a broad spectrum of topics within paleontology, biostratigraphy, and paleoecology. She has conducted groundbreaking studies on fossil assemblages, elucidating patterns of species diversity, ecological dynamics, and evolutionary trends across geological intervals. Her work has not only advanced our understanding of ancient ecosystems but also provided valuable insights into the processes driving biological evolution and extinction events.

Accolades and Recognition In Earth and Planetary Sciences

Throughout her career, Amanda Moreira Leite has garnered widespread acclaim for her contributions to the field of geology and paleontology. Her research has been published in prestigious scientific journals, earning recognition from peers and experts in the field. Leite's scholarly achievements have been honored with numerous awards and accolades, underscoring her status as a leading authority in her areas of specialization.

Her innovative approach to research, combined with her dedication to academic excellence, has cemented her reputation as a trailblazer in the field of earth sciences. Leite's work has not only expanded the frontiers of knowledge but also inspired future generations of scientists to explore the rich tapestry of life preserved within the Earth's geological record.

Impact and Influence

Amanda Moreira Leite's contributions to the field of geology extend far beyond the confines of academia, resonating with a diverse audience of scientists, educators, and enthusiasts worldwide. Her research findings have implications for our understanding of past climates, ecosystems, and evolutionary processes, offering valuable insights into the challenges facing our planet in the present and future.

Leite's work has also had a profound impact on interdisciplinary research efforts, fostering collaborations between geologists, biologists, climatologists, and other specialists. By bridging gaps between different scientific disciplines, she has facilitated holistic approaches to understanding Earth's history and the complex interactions between life and the environment.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Earth and Planetary Sciences

As Amanda Moreira Leite continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, her legacy as a pioneering researcher and educator will endure for generations to come. Her groundbreaking discoveries and innovative methodologies have laid the groundwork for future investigations into the mysteries of the past, ensuring that her contributions will shape the trajectory of geological and paleontological research for years to come.

Looking ahead, Leite remains committed to advancing our understanding of Earth's history and the processes that have shaped life on our planet. Through continued exploration, collaboration, and mentorship, she seeks to inspire new generations of scientists and foster a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. With her passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication, Leite stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the field of geology and paleontology, shaping our understanding of Earth's past and informing our stewardship of its future.

Notable Publications

Biostratigraphy of Liminic Ostracoda (Crustacea) from the Quiricó Formation, Lower Cretaceous of the São Francisco Basin, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: An approach on paleozoogeographic evolution of Gondwana 2024

Response to Coimbra (2023) ‘Rebuttal of Leite and Do Carmo, 2021’ 2023

Description of the stratotype section and proposal of hypostratotype section of the Lower Cretaceous Quiricó formation, São Francisco Basin, Brazil 2021