Professor Benjamin Horton Awarded the Prestigious AOGS Axford Medal
The School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is proud to announce that Professor Benjamin Horton, Dean and Chair Professor of Earth Science, has been awarded the Axford Medal, the highest honour bestowed by the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS). Notably, Professor Horton is the first scholar from Hong Kong to receive this distinguished award, underscoring his exceptional contributions and international leadership in earth and climate sciences.
Established by the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS), the Axford Medal honours the legacy of Prof. W. Ian Axford, a pioneering scientist and visionary advocate known for his commitment to academic excellence and unselfish scientific cooperation. The medal is exclusively awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, sustained achievements in geosciences, international leadership, broad scholarly impact, and a steadfast dedication to mentoring and cross-border collaboration.
The Axford Medal represents one of the highest recognitions in the geoscience community across Asia and Oceania. Recipients are internationally respected scholars whose research has significantly advanced scientific understanding, shaped global research agendas, and generated substantial impact across disciplines. They are also recognized for their dedication to building research capacity, fostering international partnerships, and inspiring future generations of geoscientists.
Professor Horton’s receipt of the Axford Medal is a testament to his world-leading contributions to climate science, particularly in the fields of sea-level change, coastal resilience, and climate adaptation. His pioneering research has enhanced global understanding of the impacts of climate change on coastal communities and has informed policy development and decision-making worldwide. Beyond his scholarly achievements, Professor Horton has played a pivotal role in promoting international scientific collaboration and mentoring emerging researchers, helping to strengthen the global geoscience community.
This remarkable achievement not only recognizes Professor Horton’s distinguished career and scholarly excellence, but also highlights the growing international prominence of SEE and CityUHK in addressing some of the world's most pressing environmental and climate challenges through impactful rese arch and innovation.
The School of Energy and Environment extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Benjamin Horton on this highly prestigious and well-deserved honour. His achievement serves as an inspiration to the SEE community and further strengthens CityUHK’s reputation as a global hub for excellence in sustainability, climate science, and environmental research.