Prof. Pengfei Li | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award
Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Pengfei Li’s journey in scientific research has been deeply rooted in environmental physics and remote sensing. His passion for atmospheric studies and hyperspectral technologies developed during his formative academic years, where he excelled in blending physical science with environmental applications. His academic path ultimately led him to become a key researcher at the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Infrared Physics under the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
🧑💼 Professional Endeavors
Currently, as a Research Fellow, Prof. Li is a leading figure in satellite-based atmospheric monitoring. His role includes spearheading research on weak gas emissions detection, a crucial area for tackling global issues like climate change and environmental pollution. His leadership in the lab is marked by interdisciplinary integration, where hyperspectral satellite technology, data assimilation, atmospheric modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) converge to address modern environmental challenges.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Li’s research is at the intersection of hyperspectral remote sensing and AI-driven environmental monitoring. His team is developing next-generation techniques for satellite-based detection of weak gas emissions, aimed at pushing the detection limits in extreme environments. This work also involves defining payload specifications for future hyperspectral satellites. The outcomes of his research hold significant relevance for addressing atmospheric pollution, climate change, and homeland security threats, providing critical insights into satellite system design and operational strategies.
🌍 Impact and Influence
With over 50 SCI-indexed publications, including 20+ first-author or corresponding-author papers in leading journals such as PNAS and One Earth, Prof. Li has made a global impact. His research has informed both the academic community and policymakers, particularly in the realms of climate change mitigation, environmental monitoring, and satellite payload engineering. His work is frequently showcased at international conferences like the United Nations Climate Change Conference, AMS Annual Meeting, and the Goldschmidt Conference, where he has delivered numerous invited talks.
🏆 Honors and Leadership Roles
Prof. Li was selected for the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences “Hundred Talents Program” (Category B), recognizing his innovative research and leadership potential. Beyond research, he plays a pivotal role as a review expert for China’s National Key R&D Program and serves on scientific committees, including as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology and Application Professional Committee under the China Association for Remote Sensing Applications.
📚 Academic Citations
Prof. Li’s publications are highly cited within the fields of environmental monitoring, satellite remote sensing, and atmospheric sciences, reflecting the value and influence of his contributions on an international scale. His research continues to shape the discourse around climate resilience, pollution tracking, and advanced remote sensing methods.
🛠️ Technical Skills
His technical expertise includes: Hyperspectral satellite data processing, Atmospheric modeling and data assimilation, AI and machine learning for environmental monitoring, Payload design and specification for next-generation satellites, Quantitative remote sensing and geospatial analysis.
👨🏫 Teaching & Mentoring
In addition to research, Prof. Li is actively involved in mentoring graduate students and early-career scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in hyperspectral remote sensing. His guidance has produced a growing cadre of young scientists contributing to China’s leadership in satellite-based environmental science.
🚀 Vision and Future Contributions
Prof. Li’s future goals include expanding the applications of hyperspectral technologies to global-scale monitoring of greenhouse gases and pollutants, developing real-time AI-driven detection frameworks, and enhancing China’s position in next-gen satellite missions. His work is set to continue making a transformative impact on how we monitor and respond to environmental and security-related atmospheric events.
📖Notable Publications
The effectiveness of solar radiation management using fine sea spray across multiple climatic regions
Authors: Z Song, S Yu, P Li, N Yao, L Chen, Y Sun, B Jiang, D Rosenfeld
Journal: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Year: 2025
Photostationary state assumption seriously underestimates NOx emissions near large point sources at 10 to 60 m pixel resolution
Authors: L Chen, Z Song, N Yao, H Xi, J Li, P Gao, Y Chen, H Su, Y Sun, B Jiang, …
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Year: 2025
Multi-task deep learning for quantifying methane emissions from 2-D plume imagery with Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Authors: Q Xu, X Gu, P Li, X Gu
Journal: International Journal of Remote Sensing
Year: 2024
Less anthropogenic aerosol indirect effects are a potential cause for Northeast Pacific warm blob events
Authors: N Yao, Z Song, L Chen, Y Sun, B Jiang, P Li, J Chen, S Yu
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Year: 2024
Different contributions of meteorological conditions and emission reductions to the ozone pollution during Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdowns in winter and spring
Authors: X Dou, M Li, Y Jiang, Z Song, P Li, S Yu
Journal: Atmospheric Pollution Research
Year: 2024