Advancing Urban Climate Science: Prof Yuan Chao Named 2025 Timothy Oke Award Recipient
We are honoured to announce that Associate Professor Yuan Chao, our Deputy Head (Research), has been awarded the 2025 Timothy Oke Award by the International Association for Urban Climate (IAUC).
Announced at the 12th International Conference on Urban Climate (ICUC-12) held in Rotterdam, the award is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of urban climatology. It is presented annually to early-to-mid-career scientists who have made outstanding original contributions, demonstrated strong research leadership, and whose influence continues to grow across disciplines and geographies.
Award Citation
“For his leading research work across the boundaries of urban climate science, urban planning, and architecture”
As an architect and climatologist, Assoc Prof Yuan’s research bridges the domains of urban design, environmental modelling, and real-world policy application. His work has consistently advanced the integration of urban climate science into planning and architectural practice. His recent projects—such as the Doppler LiDAR-Driven CFD simulation at high-density urban areas, and the development of AI-enhanced digital microclimate platforms—have informed strategies for resilience, thermal comfort, and health across Singapore’s built environment.
His interdisciplinary approach aligns urban climatology with the practicalities of design, governance, and public health, delivering solutions that are both technically rigorous and socially meaningful.
From Left to Right: Assoc Prof Yuan Chao (4th from left) with his PhD students Ms Zhang Liqing, Ms Tanya Talwar, Ms Wang Mingqi, and Mr Chen Taihan and Associate Prof Mei Shuojun, his former Research fellow at NUS
“I’m truly honoured to receive the Timothy Oke Award. This recognition affirms the value of integrating urban climate science into design and planning. I’m deeply grateful to my mentors, collaborators, students, and the Department of Architecture at NUS for their unwavering support. This award inspires me to continue advancing climate-responsive and human-centred urban solutions,” expressed Assoc Prof Yuan Chao.
About The Timothy Oke Award
The Timothy Oke Award is named after Professor Timothy Oke, a pioneer of urban climatology whose work has shaped generations of environmental scientists and design professionals. The award celebrates not only excellence in research but also a clear trajectory of future leadership and impact. Professor Yuan is the first Singapore-based researcher to receive this honour.
About IAUC
The International Association for Urban Climate (IAUC) is a global organisation that brings together researchers, practitioners, and experts interested in studying and addressing urban climate issues. The IAUC is involved in promoting research and knowledge exchange on urban climate science, climate adaptation, and sustainability in urban areas. It organises conferences, workshops, and publications related to urban climate, provides a platform for networking and collaboration, and serves as a hub for professionals in the field.