Dr. Kaiyu Guan's acceptance speech for the AGU Macelwane Medal

Kaiyu Guan, Founding Director of the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) and a Blue Waters Associate Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, has received the prestigious James B. Macelwane Medal from the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

The award is given annually to three to five early career scientists in recognition of their significant contributions to Earth and space science. Honorees automatic distinction as AGU Fellows. The Macelwane Medal  is named in honor of the former AGU president James B. Macelwane, who was renowned for his contributions to geophysics.

Guan joins other scientists, leaders, educators, journalists, and communicators from around the world who have made outstanding achievements and contributions by pushing forward the frontiers of science. According to the AGU, “Each recipient embodies the AGU’s community’s shared vision of a thriving, sustainable, and equitable future powered by discovery, innovation, and action.”

“I am very honored to receive the James B. Macelwane Medal and to be included alongside such distinguished previous recipients,” Guan said. “This is a shared honor to our whole team, including our students, researchers, collaborators, and mentors. I am truly grateful for all their great contributions. We are striving to build solutions to make our agricultural system both more productive and more sustainable. It is a very hard problem and requires a big team effort. I thank AGU for giving us this recognition in this uphill journey, and we know the hard work needs to continue and accelerate.”