Prof. Markku Kulmala is a pioneer and world-leading expert in the physics and chemistry of atmospheric aerosol and terrestrial ecosystem meteorology. His research objectives range from the advanced quantum chemistry models to processes relevant on the Earth climate. Kulmala has created a research program that includes continuous long-term atmospheric observations, global modelling and deep theoretical and experimental process-level studies, which enhance the understanding about atmospheric aerosol dynamics together with their environmental and health consequences.
Over the past ten years, Professor Kulmala has been working in cooperation with the Chinese scientists to enhance scientific and technological development in atmospheric environment and climate change studies in China. He visited China for the first time in October 2009 when the plan of the first SMEAR (Station for Measuring Earth surface - Atmosphere Relations) concept station called SORPES was initiated together with the University of Nanjing.
SMEAR concept determines and quantifies biosphere - trace gas - aerosol - cloud interactions and feedbacks on different Earth surfaces. This research has helped to find solutions for the present and near future negative impacts caused by the large-scale and high-speed urbanization and industrialization in China during the recent decades.
The goal of professor Kulmala’s efforts in China is to provide a platform and guidance for individual activities and innovations in order to form comprehensive large-scale solutions to solve present complicated air pollution problems. Presently, Kulmala is working in the cities of Nanjing, Shanghai and Beijing and negotiates to expand his activities to new cities and regions in China.
The International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Award was initiated by the State Council of China in 1994. It is conferred on foreign individuals or organizations that have made important contribution to science and technology development of China. Since 1995 altogether 128 scientists from 24 from different countries have received the award, Professor Markku Kulmala being the first from Finland.
Markku Kulmala shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photograph taken from the TV screen of the Xinwen Lianbo news program.