GENEVA – Chinese meteorologist Xu Jianmin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a leading satellite meteorology expert with the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), was presented with the 70th International Meteorological Organization (IMO) Prize on Wednesday in Geneva.

At the award ceremony, World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo praised Xu for his lifelong commitment to advancing satellite meteorology and ensuring that satellite data are reliable, practical, and operationally effective.

Saulo noted that under Xu's leadership, the applications of China's FENGYUN (FY) meteorological satellites have steadily expanded, while their operational systems have been continuously refined, providing strong support for global weather monitoring, forecasting, and evidence-based decision-making.

She also highlighted the important role of FY satellites in providing observational data for West Asia, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean region.

ALSO READ: China launches new meteorological satellite

In particular, the orbit optimization of the FY-2H satellite helped fill a longstanding gap in geostationary meteorological observations over the Indian Ocean, significantly supporting the WMO's Indian Ocean Data Coverage Plan.

Saulo further commended Xu's dedication to mentoring young scientists and professionals, as well as his rigorous, pragmatic, and selfless approach to scientific research.

The IMO Prize, awarded annually, is regarded as the highest honor in the international meteorological community and is often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of meteorology." The award recognizes outstanding contributions to meteorology, hydrology, and geophysical sciences and is presented to only one recipient each year.

According to the CMA, Xu is one of the principal founders and pioneers of China's FY meteorological satellite program. He played a key role in formulating the development strategy for the satellite series and led the research, development, and launch of the FY-1 polar-orbiting and FY-2 geostationary satellites, achieving a historic breakthrough in China's space-based meteorological capabilities.

READ MORE: China's Fengyun-3F satellite begins operational services

Xu is the fourth Chinese scientist to receive the prestigious honor, following Ye Duzheng, Qin Dahe, and Zeng Qingcheng.