Dr. Jing Meng has made exceptional contributions to the fields of global climate change and air pollution, embodying excellence in research, leadership, and science communication. Her innovative work has transcended traditional disciplinary boundaries, addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Jing’s research portfolio is characterized by its depth and breadth, and she was promoted to a full professor position at University College London this past summer.

What sets Jing apart is her interdisciplinary approach to research. She has effectively bridged the gap between local air pollution and global consumption patterns, revealing the intricate connections between them. Furthermore, her work on climate change mitigation, energy policies, and global trade has expanded our understanding of carbon emissions dynamics and their implications for our planet. To solve the global challenge of decarbonization, Prof. Meng leads a dedicated research group and is devoted to developing quantitative models to assess the feasibility and economic effects of climate and energy policies, positioning herself as a prominent figure in the field of low-carbon transition pathways. Her research, notably on forecasting technological costs, has not only advanced our understanding but has also informed policymakers and the broader public.

She has authored over 130 peer-reviewed papers, demonstrating a remarkable ability to delve into intricate environmental issues. Her publications, including lead-authored papers in prestigious journals like Nature brand journals and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, underscore her exceptional research accomplishments. Notably, within just 7 years after earning her Ph.D., Jing has achieved an h-index of 49 and garnered over 9,000 citations, a testament to the significance and impact of her contributions. In addition to her prolific research career, Prof. Meng has earned international recognition through numerous awards, including her election as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and her inclusion as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher for multiple years. Her contributions have also been acknowledged by the MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 award.

Prof. Jing Meng’s ability to bridge science, policy, and public understanding is a testament to her dedication and impact. Her exceptional research achievements, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing global environmental challenges make her an exemplary scientist and a valuable asset to the scientific community and society as a whole. Now she is continuously devoting herself to advancing low-carbon transition pathways, and it is expected to see her greater success in the near future.

—Yafang Cheng, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany

I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from AGU, recognizing my contributions to the fields of global climate change and air pollution. It is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for me. First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to AGU for this esteemed award, and to the individuals who have supported and guided me throughout my career. This recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of interdisciplinary research and its potential to address the most critical environmental challenges facing our world today. My journey in climate and environmental research has been driven by a passion to unravel the intricate connections between local air pollution, global consumption patterns, and their impact on our planet. Bridging these gaps has been a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, and I am privileged to have had the opportunity to explore and communicate the complexities of these issues. To be faced with a global net zero pledge, I am also committed to advancing low- carbon transition pathways and contributing to quantitative modeling for this global environmental challenge. The path ahead is undoubtedly filled with new challenges, but I am excited about the possibilities and look forward to achieving even greater success in the near future. I am very grateful to my nominator, Prof. Yafang Cheng, for the nomination and wonderful citation. I must extend my gratitude to my female mentors in this incredible journey, Prof. Laura Diaz Anadon, Prof. D’Maris Coffman, and Prof. Priti Parikh, who have been a source of courage and inspiration. —Jing Meng, University College London, London