Dr. LIU Linyi, an assistant researcher at the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has been awarded the Emerging Leader Award by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) during the GEO Global Forum held in Rome, Italy, on 7 May 2025. 

The award, which honors exceptional leadership, innovation, and international collaboration among young professionals under the age of 35 in the field of Earth observations, highlights Dr. Liu’s significant contributions to remote sensing technologies for crop pest and disease monitoring and forecasting.

As principal investigator of a GEO-aligned project supported by National Key R&D Program of China, Dr. Liu has developed cutting-edge mechanisms to detect and respond to crop stress caused by pests and diseases. His work has led to breakthroughs in multi-scale monitoring, intelligent big data management, and high-performance forecasting model computation.

These advancements have had a tangible impact on both national and international levels. In China, his research outcomes have been adopted by key government bodies, including the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, the General Office of the State Council, and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Globally, his work has been embraced by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and agricultural authorities in countries such as Pakistan and Kenya.

Dr. Liu is also a core member of the “Global Vegetation Pest and Disease Dynamic Remote Sensing Monitoring and Forecasting” initiative, which has been officially incorporated into the GEO Post-2025 Work Programme.

His recognition as an emerging leader underscores the growing role of Chinese young scientists in shaping the future of Earth observation and global food security.

Dr. LIU Linyi receives the Emerging Leader Award by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) during the GEO Global Forum held in Rome, Italy, on 7 May 2025.