Introduction to the Forum

The Department of Earth System Science at Tsinghua University is thrilled to announce the Earth System Science Forum, a platform designed to spark engaging discussions and foster collaboration on the most critical topics in Earth System Science. This event is an excellent opportunity for young scholars from around the globe to connect, share insights, and learn more about the Earth System Science program at Tsinghua, all while contributing to its future growth.

The 2026 Tsinghua Earth System Science Forum will be held online on January 16 - 17, 2026.

Schedule

Mark your calendars for the 16st and 17st of January 2026, for the Tsinghua University Earth System Science Forum. We'll be hosting a series of thought-provoking plenary and invited talks by up-and-coming scholars. If talk is selected, you'll receive an invitation letter before December 30, 2025.

Application Requirements

We're on the lookout for accomplished young scholars who are eager to delve deeper into the Department of Earth System Science at Tsinghua University or are considering a faculty position. Ideal candidates will have a doctoral degree from a top international university, specialize in one of the fields mentioned, and have completed postdoctoral research at a renowned institution. We're looking for individuals who have made a mark in scientific research and show promise in innovation. Priority will be given to those who have already secured a teaching or research position at a prestigious institution.

Research Focus Areas

1. Dive into the dynamics of Earth system changes and the interplay between human activities and global shifts using complex systems theory. Leverage statistical physics, complex system science, and machine learning to build Earth system dynamics models that offer fresh perspectives and theoretical foundations for the development of Earth system science theory.

2. Develop innovative methods for information mining and knowledge discovery within the vast realm of Earth system science data, develop new observational and sensing technologies and methods for dataset construction; comprehensively apply experimental monitoring, remote sensing observation, artificial intelligence algorithms, and machine learning to analyze and reveal the dynamic evolution process and future trajectories of the Earth system.

3. Investigate the mechanisms by which global changes affect the structure, processes, and service functions of Earth's key ecosystems (terrestrial, wetland, or marine) in controlled environments, the mechanisms for maintaining the stability and connectivity of different types of ecosystems, and the physiological and ecological response mechanisms of organisms to environmental changes at a large scale.

4. Create component and coupled models of the Earth system using high-performance computing and artificial intelligence technology to simulate climate system processes across multiple spatiotemporal scales, especially those related to the cryosphere; use model data to study atmospheric dynamics, quantify interactions among various spheres of the Earth system, and discuss the dynamics and predictability of extreme weather/climate events.

5. Develop new observation-simulation methods to study the trans-sphere and trans-medium cycling and evolution patterns of greenhouse gases and pollutants, including source, sink and transformation processes. Investigate the key processes and driving factors affecting the cycling of atmospheric constituents, and study the interaction mechanisms and regulatory principles between changes in atmospheric composition and ecosystems under the background of climate change.

6. Craft integrated assessment models (IAM) that are coupled with the new generation of Earth system models, to quantify the impacts of emission reduction strategies on natural systems (including biodiversity and ecosystem services) and socio-economic systems at the global, national, regional, and infrastructure levels; identify the climate change adaptability and resilience of future infrastructure, and assess the synergies and long-term sustainability of mitigation and adaptation actions.

7. Study the theoretical framework, methodological system, and technical means for ecosystem restoration, reveal the synergistic effects between climate change mitigation strategies and biodiversity conservation, and promote the innovative development of nature-based solutions; explore how these solutions can be integrated with urban resilience construction to establish urban development that fosters harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

8. Develop global energy system models to simulate and evaluate feasible carbon neutrality pathways under multiple scenarios; develop low carbon technological innovation and development assessment framework; explore synergy mechanisms between energy transformation and environmental benefits under carbon neutrality pathways.

How to Apply

Interested applicants, send your resumes - complete with basic info, key achievements, and contact details - along with your preferred research field and the title of your proposed talk (in both Chinese and English) to liu_xt@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn before December 22, 2025.

Our Earth System Science Forum organizing committee will review all applications and extend formal invitation letters to selected participants before December 30, 2025.

Contact Information

Contact Person: Ms. Liu

Tel: +86-10-62772750

E-mail: liu_xt@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn