The Big Science Center* is excited to announce the arrival of Dr. Graham Simpkins as its inaugural Science Director.

Graham is a climate scientist by training. He received his PhD in climate science from the University of New South Wales University, Australia, and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Irvine, USA. He then transitioned to work in scientific publishing, holding roles at Nature Communications and Nature Climate Change, before becoming the founding Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Earth & Environment.

As noted by Prof. Tandong Yao, CAS member and honorary director of ITPCAS, "Graham's work experience at Nature established a strong collaborative network across the international Earth Science community. This network, coupled with his academic reputation and influence, will advance the internationalization of the Third Pole Environment and contribute to ongoing efforts for ITPCAS—and ATH—to become agenda-setting centers for international research on the Tibetan Plateau".

These sentiments are shared by Prof Shilong Piao, CAS member and founder of ATH. Prof. Piao notes: "Graham will be a critical resource to elevate the visibility and impact of ITPCAS, particularly through its international cooperation initiatives. It is our hope that Graham will contribute to ongoing efforts to rapidly integrate high-quality international academic resources, attract leading global scholars to participate in Tibetan Plateau research, and foster high-level international dialogue with substantive collaboration."

Graham will also bring strategic guidance regarding research direction. Prof. Xuliang Zhuang, acting director of ITPCAS, comments: "Graham's skillset fits perfectly with our goals. His time at Nature provided strong oversight of important, timely and integrated research topics. This understanding is critical for original scientific breakthroughs that advance Trans-Himalaya Earth system science research. Indeed, Graham's joining of the Big Science Center will boost our academic vision, and in doing so, elevate the visibility of ITPCAS's academic achievement."

Prof. Baosheng An, deputy director of ITPCAS, further reflects on his hopes, aligning strongly with Graham's passion for science communication and advancing early career researchers. He states: "Graham excels at digesting complex scientific concepts and translating them to be accessible by the international academic community. His expertise will enhance ITPCAS researchers' writing and research competitiveness. Additionally, his experience as a journal editor and his forward-looking academic perspective will allow him to mentor young researchers, fostering the next generation of leaders in Tibetan Plateau research."

Finally, Graham shares his thoughts for the new role. He outlines: "I've long been aware of the great research ITPCAS (and related programs) do. It's, therefore, an honor and a privilege to help shape the future of Third Pole research, including through training the next generation of researchers. I'm excited to get started! On a more personal note, it's a fantastic opportunity to move to China, experience a completely different culture, and importantly, better understand the immensity of scientific research that happens here."

We wish Graham the best of luck in his role as Science Director.

*The Big Science Center serves as a central science hub for Tibetan Plateau research, coordinating and integrating activities to foster connectivity and bridge gaps. It oversees or contributes to several scientific activities, including: the Third Pole Environment (TPE), a UNESO/UNEP/SCOPE-endorsed international program that pools and coordinates resources and expertise to jointly confront environmental change on the Tibetan Plateau; STEP (the Second Tibetan Plateau Expedition and Research) and TPGE (Third Pole Glacier Melt and Earth System Adaptation), and the international organization, ATH (International Association for Trans-Himalaya Earth System Science). The Big Science Center is located within the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences (ITPCAS).