The Academy is honored to count among its Senior Fellows recipients of the highest recognition in science.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2018
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Pioneer of directed evolution of enzymes — a revolutionary approach to protein engineering that harnesses the power of evolution to create novel biological catalysts. Her work has transformed how we develop sustainable chemical processes, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. Elected to all three U.S. National Academies (Science, Medicine, Engineering), Professor Arnold brings unparalleled expertise in bio-inspired green chemistry to the Academy.
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2013
University of California, Berkeley
Elucidated the molecular machinery regulating vesicle traffic — a major cellular transport system essential for life. His discoveries have profound implications for understanding diseases from diabetes to neurodegeneration. A fierce advocate for open-access scientific publishing, Professor Schekman chairs the Academy's Committee on Scientific Integrity and Open Science.
Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, 2018
Yale University
Integrated climate change into long-run macroeconomic analysis, creating the foundational models that underpin modern climate economics. His Dynamic Integrated Climate-Economy (DICE) model transformed how governments and international bodies assess the economic impacts of climate policy. At the Academy, Professor Nordhaus leads the Ecological Civilization Indicators flagship project.
Founder of Chinese New Literati Contextual Painting; Chinese General
China
A Chinese general, pioneering artist, and cultural thinker, LV Yongyan is recognized as the founder of Chinese New Literati Contextual Painting. His work reinterprets the literati tradition through contemporary cultural contexts, bringing together classical aesthetics, philosophical reflection, and modern visual language. Within the Academy's broader dialogue on ecological civilization, his practice contributes a humanistic and artistic perspective on landscape, culture, and the relationship between people and nature.
Founding President
Visionary leader in ecological civilization theory and practice. Professor Zhao has spent three decades bridging environmental science, policy, and international cooperation. He founded the Academy in 2024 with the conviction that the world's most pressing ecological challenges can only be solved through genuine transdisciplinary collaboration that transcends national and institutional boundaries.
Executive Vice President
Oversees the Academy's day-to-day operations, research coordination, and institutional partnerships. With a background in environmental engineering and science policy, Dr. Zhang ensures the Academy's research programs maintain the highest standards of scientific rigor while delivering practical impact for communities and policymakers.
Vice President, International
Leads the Academy's global engagement strategy, managing partnerships with international organizations, foreign academies, and multilateral development institutions. Dr. Blanchard brings extensive experience in science diplomacy and has been instrumental in expanding the Academy's presence across 18 countries.
Chief Scientific Officer
Directs the Academy's scientific strategy, research quality assurance, and peer review processes. A distinguished researcher in environmental systems analysis, Dr. Wang ensures that all Academy research meets rigorous international standards and addresses the most urgent knowledge gaps in ecological science.
Distinguished scientists and scholars from around the world, elected for their outstanding contributions to ecological science and practice.
Soil Science
France
World-renowned soil microbiologist whose research on mycorrhizal networks has transformed our understanding of below-ground ecosystem dynamics. Professor Moreau leads the Academy's soil health research program, focusing on regenerative agriculture practices that restore degraded farmland across the Sahel and South Asia.
Water Resources
Netherlands
Expert in integrated water resource management with over two decades of experience in delta regions worldwide. Dr. Kowalski's work on nature-based flood protection and managed aquifer recharge has been adopted by governments across Europe, Asia, and Africa. She coordinates the Academy's Water Resource Management domain.
Crop Genomics
India
Leading crop genomicist whose work on drought-tolerance genes in legumes has accelerated breeding programs across the tropics. Professor Sharma directs the Academy's Drought-Resilient Legumes flagship project and serves as a bridge between molecular biology and field-level agricultural extension.
Agroecology
Kenya
Pioneer of participatory agroecological research in East Africa, Dr. Ochieng has developed farmer-led innovation networks that have improved food security for over 200,000 smallholder households. His work demonstrates how traditional ecological knowledge and modern science can be synergistically integrated.
Climate Adaptation
Spain
Climate scientist specializing in Mediterranean and semi-arid ecosystem adaptation. Dr. Rodriguez's modeling work on climate-induced shifts in agricultural suitability zones informs national adaptation plans in six countries. She leads the Academy's Climate Resilience research domain.
Precision Agriculture
Japan
Innovator in affordable precision agriculture technologies suitable for smallholder contexts. Professor Tanaka's low-cost sensor networks and AI-driven advisory systems have been deployed in over 100,000 farms across Asia, reducing water and fertilizer use while increasing yields by an average of 23%.
Rural Development
Australia
Expert in rural livelihoods and community-led development, Dr. Mitchell's research on social-ecological systems in remote and indigenous communities has influenced development policy across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. She chairs the Academy's Community Engagement Committee.
Academic Governance
China
Chairman of the Academy's Academic Committee, responsible for maintaining the rigor and integrity of the Academy's research output. Professor Zhang's expertise in research methodology and institutional governance ensures the Academy's scientific work meets the highest international standards.
Institutional Leadership
China
Secretary-General of the Academy, overseeing institutional administration, member relations, and the fellowship election process. Ms. Xue's background in international scientific cooperation and organizational management has been instrumental in building the Academy's institutional framework from the ground up.
Digital Agriculture
China
Pioneer in digital village transformation and agricultural informatization with over two decades of experience in smart farming technologies. Dr. Xia's work on IoT-enabled precision irrigation systems and blockchain-based agricultural supply chains has been deployed across more than 500 cooperatives in China and Southeast Asia, empowering smallholder farmers with data-driven decision-making tools.
Sustainable Food Systems
China
Expert in sustainable food systems and circular economy models for agriculture. Professor Zhang's research on food loss reduction, cold-chain logistics innovation, and urban-rural food linkages has informed national policy frameworks and been recognized by the FAO as a model for developing countries transitioning toward more resilient agri-food systems.
The Academy's International Fellowship is the cornerstone of our mission — a global community of exceptional scientists, scholars, and practitioners whose collective expertise drives the advancement of ecological civilization. Fellows are elected through a rigorous, peer-driven nomination and review process that prioritizes scientific excellence, demonstrated impact, and commitment to the Academy's values.
Awarded to individuals of exceptional and sustained distinction — Nobel laureates, heads of national academies, and pioneers whose work has fundamentally transformed their field. Senior Fellows serve for life and form the Academy's highest advisory body.
The Academy's core membership — distinguished researchers, policy experts, and practitioners elected for five-year renewable terms. Fellows lead research domains, mentor Associate Fellows, and represent the Academy in international forums.
Designed for early-to-mid-career researchers showing exceptional promise. Associate Fellows receive mentorship from Senior Fellows, access to Academy research funds, and a three-year platform to develop collaborative projects.
Fellowship is open to individuals of any nationality who have made significant contributions to ecological science, sustainable development, environmental policy, or related fields. Candidates must demonstrate a track record of excellence, a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, and alignment with the Academy's mission of advancing ecological civilization.
Nominations are accepted year-round and reviewed by the Academic Committee during quarterly sessions. To nominate a candidate or express interest in fellowship, please contact the Academy's Secretariat.