Prof. SU Hang of the State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Extreme Meteorology (AEEM) at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAP-CAS), and Prof. Ulrich Pöschl of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany, have jointly received the 2026 Fissan-Pui-TSI Award. Established by the International Aerosol Research Assembly (IARA) and presented every four years, the award recognizes scientists who have made outstanding contributions to aerosol science and technology through long-term collaboration and whose work has achieved significant international impact. The award includes a prize of USD 10,000 and is distinctive in honoring not only exceptional scientific achievements but also the sustained international partnerships that enable them.

For many years, Su and Pöschl have collaborated on atmospheric multiphase chemistry and the interactions among air pollution, weather, and climate, producing a series of internationally recognized scientific advances. Their partnership has evolved from addressing specific scientific questions together to co-training young researchers and establishing observation and research platforms. This long-term collaboration has created an integrated framework combining experiments, field observations, theoretical studies, and numerical modeling.

Reflecting on their long-standing cooperation, Su said, “Scientific exploration often begins with curiosity, but the value of science should not end with the individual. Where we can, we should nurture talented students and build strong research teams; and beyond that, we develop genuine, long-term, and trust-based partnerships across institutions and countries to address global challenges that no nation can solve alone. For me, the establishment of the Max Planck - Asia Center (MAC-AIR) represents a milestone in this journey—from individual efforts to collective endeavors, and from institutional cooperation to a shared global mission. It also resonates perfectly with the theme of this year’s International Aerosol Conference: ‘Breathe the same air, share a common fate.’”

“Since we met more than twenty years ago, it has been a privilege to collaborate with Hang,” said Pöschl, “His scientific creativity, curiosity, and expertise in experiments, theory, and numerical modeling constantly remind me of my own mentors, Paul Crutzen and Andi Andreae.” He added, “For a scholar, few things are more rewarding than seeing the younger generation build upon—and surpass—the work of those who came before them. I am delighted and proud of Hang's achievements in research and mentoring, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration with him, as well as with students, postdoctoral researchers, early-career scientists, and partners around the world, to strengthen the scientific foundation for a prosperous and sustainable Anthropocene.”

The scientific achievements and collaborative foundation established by the two scholars over the years have also supported deeper cooperation between the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Max Planck Society. The Max Planck - Asia Center (MAC-AIR), jointly developed by the two institutions with international partners, grew from this strong foundation. Focusing on the interactions among air pollution, extreme weather, and monsoons under global warming, the Center brings together researchers from China, Germany, India, Finland, and other countries to promote the integration of long-term observations, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling.

From conducting research together, to jointly nurturing talent, to co-establishing an international research platform, the long-term partnership between Su and Pöschl embodies the core spirit of the Fissan-Pui-TSI Award: scientific excellence enables collaboration, and sustained collaboration further advances scientific excellence. In addressing transboundary global challenges such as air pollution, climate change, and extreme weather, continuous, open, and trusted international cooperation remains a key driver of major scientific discoveries.

Figure 1: Illustration of the motivation and development, of the successful international collaboration between Ulrich Pöschl, SU Hang and partners shown during the Fissan-Pui-TSI Award Ceremony at the International Aerosol Conference 2026.

Figure 2: Fissan-Pui-TSI Award Ceremony at the International Aerosol Conference 2026.

The Fissan-Pui-TSI Award is presented by the International Aerosol Research Assembly (IARA). Award details are available at: https://iara.org/fissan/

The 2026 laureates were also announced by the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry at: https://www.mpic.de/6092333/fissan-pui-tsi-award-2026-fuer-ulrich-poeschl-und-hang-su