In a recent burst of exciting news, Dr. Cathy Hollis, President of the International Association of Sedimentologists (IAS) and an esteemed professor at the University of Manchester, UK, extended heartfelt congratulations to Professor Li Chao of the Institute of Sedimentary Geology and the International Center for Sedimentary and Biogeochemistry at CDUT. Professor Li Chao is the distinguished recipient of the 2024 Johannes Walther Medal. The IAS will present Professor Li Chao with the medal and certificate of honor at the 37th International Sedimentological Congress to be held in Aberdeen, UK, in June 2024. Professor Li Chao is also invited to deliver a keynote speech at the conference.
The Johannes Walther Medal, a prestigious accolade conceived by the International Association of Sedimentologists, pays homage to the legacy of the esteemed German geologist J. Walther (the originator of Walther's Law). Bestowed biennially, this medal is a global tribute, awarded to a singular scientist for their outstanding contributions to sedimentology. Professor Li Chao stands as the inaugural Chinese scientist and scholar of Chinese descent to be graced with this illustrious recognition.
Dedicated to exploring the evolutionary saga of the early Earth's oceans and their pivotal interactions with life, minerals, and energy, Professor Li Chao's scholarly pursuits span sedimentary geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and geobiology. His trailblazing work particularly illuminates the Proterozoic-Early Paleozoic seas, uncovering the marine chemical landscapes, the symbiotic evolution of marine chemistry with intricate life forms, the biogeochemical cycling of essential life elements in layered marine habitats, and the geochemistry of ancient marine carbonate sedimentation (for a comprehensive overview, visit Professor Li Chao's profile: https://sgbg.cdut.edu.cn/info/1089/1293.htm). His research findings, leading as the first author or corresponding author, grace the pages of top-tier journals like Nature, Science, NG, PNAS, NC, Geology, EPSL, GCA. These contributions received high accolades from Science, spotlighting the pivotal link between the Neoproterozoic oceanic and atmospheric chemical shifts and the dawn of animal life. Professor Li Chao has also been invited to serve as the associate editor or editorial board member for nine significant domestic and international journals, including GCA, Geobiology, Science Bulletin, and both the Chinese and English editions of Science China Earth Sciences, demonstrating his significant international influence.
Medal Information of International Association of Sedimentologists: https://www.sedimentologists.org/awards
Attachment: Congratulatory letter from Cathy Hollis, President of the International Association of Sedimentologists
Recipients of the Johannes Walther Medal:
2024 – Li Chao, CDUT, China
2022 – Neil Davies, University of Cambridge, UK
2020 – Emmanuelle Vennin, University of Burgundy, France
2018 – Rachel Wood, University of Edinburgh, UK
2016 – Ana M. Alonso Zarza, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
2014 – Thierry Mulder, University of Bordeaux, France
2012 – Gregor Eberli, University of Miami, USA
