Assistant Professor Xiaogang He of the National University of Singapore has been named the first recipient of the Global Climate Research Prize (GCRP), with Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) selected as runner-up. The awards were presented at an inaugural ceremony held on 10 June at the historic Cambridge Union Debating Chamber.

The prize ceremony brought together researchers, university leaders, policymakers, and representatives of public institutions from across the international climate research community. Speakers included Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala, University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah A. Prentice, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Bhaskar Vira.

Professor He was selected from a distinguished group of finalists for his research on managing the interconnected risks of floods and droughts. His work explores how floodwaters can be captured, stored, and reused to reduce water scarcity and strengthen resilience in regions increasingly affected by climate extremes.

Drawing on data from the Global Drought and Flood Catalogue, Professor He has developed innovative frameworks that improve the prediction and management of water-related hazards. His research advances understanding of how societies can better prepare for both devastating floods and prolonged droughts, while supporting groundwater sustainability and food security. The approaches developed by his team have informed practical applications in regions ranging from California to Southeast Asia.

The Global Climate Research Prize carries an award of €200,000, which is granted to the recipient’s institution to support the continued development and expansion of the winning research programme.

Commenting on the significance of the award, Juha-Matti Saksa, Rector of LUT University, said:

“In a world where speed, fake news, and polarisation are rewarded with visibility, science reminds us that true understanding is built on curiosity, humility, and long-term commitment.”

Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) research named runner-up

The runner-up for the inaugural prize is the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) chaired by Professor Debra Wunch of the University of Toronto. Their work addresses a deceptively simple but critically important question: How much greenhouse gas is actually in the atmosphere?

TCCON is a global network of measurement stations that combines ground-based observations with satellite data to provide highly accurate monitoring of atmospheric greenhouse gases. The network supports research into atmospheric change and carbon cycling, while helping to validate climate models and improve emissions tracking. As governments and international organisations increasingly rely on robust climate data, such monitoring systems play a vital role in informing evidence-based policy and assessing progress towards emissions reduction targets.

Building a global platform for climate research

Founded by Clare Hall and LUT University, the Global Climate Research Prize was created to recognise research with the potential to deliver meaningful responses to climate-related challenges while fostering collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and national borders.

Professor Alan Short, President of Clare Hall and co-founder of the prize, highlighted the initiative’s long-term goal:

“Our ambition is to develop this prize into one of the world’s leading platforms for climate research and international collaboration.”

Professor Hannele Seeck, GCRP co-founder, Professor at LUT University and Visiting Professor at Clare Hall, reflected on the wider significance of climate research in today’s world:

“Climate change is not only an environmental, technological, or political issue. It is a question of how we organise knowledge, trust, responsibility, and action.”

As the first Global Climate Research Prize is awarded, the initiative begins its mission of recognising transformative research and strengthening the international networks needed to address one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Learn more about the four finalists and their pioneering climate research projects in this article: Global Climate Research Prize unites world’s top universities in race for climate solutions – 8 May 2026

More photos from the event below. A special thank you to Jeremy Peters.