During the Climate and Cryosphere Science Conference in Wellington, New Zealand, Prof. Tandong Yao (TPE founder and co-chair, and honorary Director of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research Chinese Academy of Sciences) was presented the International Glaciological Society (IGS) Seligman Crystal*—the highest honor in international glaciology. It marks the first time a Chinese scientist has received this prestigious accolade.

Prof. Tandong Yao receiving the Seligman Crystal from IGS president

During the award presentation, IGS President Shin Sugiyama highly commended Prof. Yao's exceptional contributions to scientific expeditions and environmental change research on Third Pole's glaciers. He noted that the pioneering research conducted by Prof. Yao and his team—including ultra-high altitude ice core records, glacier change mechanisms, and the imbalance and impacts of the Asian Water Tower—has substantially advanced understanding of high-mountain cryosphere systems under climate change.

Prof. Yao emphasized that this honor is not only a personal recognition, but international acknowledgment of China's contributions to cryosphere science. He stressed that the Asian Water Tower has global impact, and expressed his commitment to deepening international cooperation to tackle rapid, ongoing environmental changes.

*The Seligman Crystal is named after Gerald Seligman, founder of the International Glaciological Society, and represents the society's highest academic award. Conferred upon exceptional individuals who have made outstanding scientific contributions to glaciology, it is widely regarded as the "lifetime achievement" to the global glaciology community.