The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced on Thursday that its highest honour, the International Meteorological Organization (IMO) Prize, will be awarded this year to Xu Jianmin, a pioneering figure in the development of China's meteorological satellite system and a leading force in satellite data application and services.

Xu is scheduled to receive the award at the WMO Executive Council meeting in 2026.

The IMO Prize recognises exceptional achievements in meteorology, hydrology, and contributions to international cooperation in these fields.

An academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering since 1997, Xu played a central role in designing the foundational architecture of the FengYun (FY) Meteorological Satellite Ground System.

He was instrumental in solving critical challenges in FY satellite navigation, advancing key technologies for satellite-based products, and expanding the global use of FY satellite data in observation, forecasting, and meteorological services, according to the WMO. (Xinhua)