Professor Li Zhongping received the 2026 Nils Gunnar Jerlov Medal on Sept 17 during the Ocean Optics XXVII Conference in Ghent, Belgium. [Photo/en.xmu.edu.cn]
Professor Li Zhongping of Xiamen University (XMU) has been awarded the 2026 Nils Gunnar Jerlov Medal by The Oceanography Society (TOS).
Presented on Sept 17 during the Ocean Optics XXVII Conference in Ghent, Belgium, Li is the first Chinese scholar to receive the honor, making XMU the first Chinese university to have a scholar receive the medal.
TOS President Paula Bontempi and the 2016 recipient of the Jerlov Medal Curtis Mobley presented the award before an audience of 367 researchers from 29 countries. Li was recognized for his groundbreaking work in water clarity theory and pioneering contributions to ocean color remote sensing methodologies.
In his acceptance speech, Li called the medal both an honor and a responsibility, encouraging fellow researchers to remain curious and grounded in core optical principles when understanding ocean light. Following the ceremony, he delivered a keynote address titled "Progress and gaps in the ocean color remote sensing of coastal waters".
Established in 1988, TOS awards the Jerlov Medal biennially to a single individual. Named after Swedish scholar Nils Gunnar Jerlov, a pioneer of modern ocean optics, the medal is the highest academic honor in the field. It recognizes theoretical originality, applied impact, and service to the discipline.
