Researchers Received Fissan-Pui-TSI Award
Ulrich Pöschl and Hang Su were honored for their long-term collaboration in aerosol research.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Science — General
The International Aerosol Research Assembly awarded the 2026 Fissan-Pui-TSI Award to scientists Ulrich Pöschl and Hang Su. The prize honors their contributions to understanding aerosol chemistry through extensive international cooperation.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the importance of global scientific partnerships in tackling complex environmental challenges. The pair's work has advanced the understanding of particulate matter and atmospheric feedback loops.
The researchers utilized a combination of laboratory experiments, field observations, theoretical studies, and numerical modeling. Their work identified multiphase chemistry feedback loops that impact the production of particulate matter.
The players
Ulrich Pöschl
He is the director at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany.
Hang Su
He is the director at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.
International Aerosol Research Assembly
This global organization facilitates cooperation and standards in the study of atmospheric aerosols.
The details
Ulrich Pöschl, based at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, and Hang Su, of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in Beijing, have worked together for over two decades. Their partnership spans joint research platform development and the training of early-career scientists.
Timeline
The researchers were presented with the award in 2026.
The pair has maintained a collaborative partnership for more than 20 years.
The Big Picture
The award recognizes the success of long-standing international research partnerships like those hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry. This collaboration underscores a shift toward highly integrated, multi-disciplinary modeling in atmospheric science.
This research provides deeper insight into particulate matter formation, which is a critical factor in global air quality monitoring and pollution control strategies. These findings may eventually improve the accuracy of models used for predicting regional climate and public health risks.
The takeaway
The success of Pöschl and Su demonstrates that solving global atmospheric problems requires sustained international cooperation. Their trajectory shows that bridging institutional divides is as vital as the scientific work itself.
Further reading
For more information on current atmospheric research, visit the Science — General section.
