At the 18th International Conference “Water-Rock Interaction ”(WRI-18), held from June 16 to 21 in Cagliari, Italy, Professor Wang Yanxin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and professor at the School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, was awarded the Vernadsky Medal, the highest honor from the International Association of GeoChemistry (IAGC). He is the first Asian scientist to receive the award since its establishment.

In her citation, IAGC President Elisa Sacchi highlighted Wang's pioneering research on the genesis of poor-quality groundwater and its global impact on water security and public health. She also praised his visionary leadership in geoscience education and long-standing mentorship of young researchers, calling his career a model of excellence, innovation, and global influence.

Founded in 1967 and affiliated with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), the IAGC is a leading international body in the field of geochemistry. The Vernadsky Medal, established in 2007 to honor Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky (1863–1945), one of the founders of geochemistry, is awarded biennially to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the discipline. To date, only ten scientists have received this distinction.

Source: Official website of China University of Geosciences (CUG), VOC