Welcome to LCC!

The prosperity of a college depends on the prosperity of its talents, the strength of its academic disciplines depends on the strength of its teaching staff. In recent years, the China-UK Low Carbon College (LCC) has focused on the national “dual carbon” strategic requirements, continuously recruiting and developing a high-calibre teaching staff, and bringing together rising stars from the global low-carbon sector. To enable all staff, students and friends from various sectors to better get to know our new colleagues and talents, LCC has launched the “New Voices @ LCC”, a series of interviews with LCC new faculties. This series offers a comprehensive view of LCC new faculties as regards their academic highlights, dedication to education and research aspirations, as we discuss the “dual carbon” mission and build a low-carbon future together. In this article, let us get to know Dr Wang Xuan and his reflections on the journey in carbon research.

Wang Xuan

Tenure-Track Associate Professor

Contact Details

E-mail：xuanw@sjtu.edu.cn

Address: RM A324, LCC Main Building

Personal Homepage:Wang Xuan - Faculty - China-UK Low Carbon College,Shanghai Jiaotong University

Research Interests:Atmospheric Environmental Chemistry, Global Climate Modelling

Business Card for LCC New Faculty Member

Wang Xuan obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees from Nankai University, Tsinghua University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States respectively, before undertaking postdoctoral research at Harvard University. He held the position of Assistant Professor at City University of Hong Kong before joining SJTU. His primary research focus is atmospheric environment and earth system modelling. He is dedicated to the independent development and application of multi-scale numerical simulation methods, investigating the core mechanisms of atmospheric physico-chemical processes and exploring their profound impacts on the environmental systems, including climate change, ecosystems and air pollution. He has published over 50 papers and currently serves as the young editorial board member for the journal of ACS ES&T Air, as well as the start-up mentor and advisor for Vision Carbon Limited in Hong Kong.

Q1: What inspired you to choose the current research fields, and what motivated you to pursue it?

My initial motivation stemmed from a simple curiosity about the vast sky. As I gazed up at that endless expanse of blue, I would often wonder: where do the clouds come from? Gradually, as the tangible costs of air pollution and meteorological disasters became increasingly apparent, I came to realize that the research of atmospheric science is far more than the romantic act of gazing at the sky; it is, in fact, the process of deciphering a code that is vital to human survival.

Q2: Given the current momentum of the “dual carbon” development, what is your understanding of the current research fields as well as the key challenges? Any expectations for future breakthroughs in the industry and academic development?

Over the past decade, the dominant theme in the field of atmospheric environment has been pollution control. China has achieved remarkable success in this process, whilst promoted the profound restructuring of the energy sector as well, thereby laying a solid foundation for the advancement of the “dual carbon” goals. However, we still face a number of key challenges, such as the non-linear complexities involved in coordinated scientific emissions reduction, and the need to strike a balance between “dual carbon” development and social costs, with above further improvements are needed. In the future, I look forward to the development of a digital system that integrates atmospheric environmental modelling, satellite remote sensing and large-scale AI models. This system would facilitate the implementation of new technologies and provide scientific support for the formulation and evaluation of emissions reduction policies.

Q3: In respect to your connection with LCC, which of the college characteristics appeal to you most and drew you to join the LCC family?

In my view, LCC is not a large organization, but a vibrant academic community characterized by its small yet elite nature, international outlook and integration of industry and education.

Q4: In your opinion, what qualities should an excellent faculty member of higher educational institution possess? What is your approach to education?

I believe that an excellent faculty member of higher educational institution should maintain academic integrity, possessing genuine expertise in their field of research whilst possessing the courage to confront the unknown; in the interactions, they should be adept at understanding students, respecting their choices, and helping them forge their own paths; and in terms of teaching, they should possess the ability to inspire the students’ curiosity about the unknown. My education philosophy is to view issues from the students’ perspective, helping them find the intersection between their personal interests and societal needs, and cultivating them into independent thinkers who take responsibility for their actions.

Q5: Messages for the young students at LCC.

The path of postgraduate study will present challenges and moments of uncertainty, but please be assured that every effort you make will bring about genuine and positive changes — both for yourselves and for others. I look forward to the future vision where you have made the world a better place.

Q6: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? What life philosophy would you like to share with us?

I enjoy aimless walks and cycling. On my very first weekend after joining LCC, I cycled halfway around Dishui Lake. The life philosophy I most wish to share is this: maintain a sense of curiosity about everything, and learn to embrace uncertainty. Life has no standard answers, why not view surprises and changes as opportunities to explore new possibilities, whilst staying focused on the present moment?

A new generation of faculty is gathering momentum, and our journey towards a low-carbon future continues unabated. We would like to thank Wang Xuan for his sincere insights. Moving forward, LCC will continue to work hand in hand with all staff and students to deepen our expertise in the low-carbon sector, embrace the dual carbon mission with determination, cultivate more top-tier innovative talents, and contribute to the national green, low-carbon and high-quality development. Please stay tuned for our upcoming series of posts that featuring more LCC new faculty members.