Professor Fei Chen, Associate Head and Professor in HKUST’s Division of Environment and Sustainability, is an internationally acclaimed expert in atmospheric sciences, urban climatology, and hydrometeorology. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has been instrumental in revealing how human activities such as urbanization and land-use change shape weather, climate, and air quality.

Before joining HKUST, Professor Chen spent over 27 years at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in the United States; a world-leading institution for weather and climate studies. He led the development of the Noah-MP land surface, HRLDAS, and WRF-Urban modelling systems, now widely used internationally for weather prediction and regional climate simulations.

At HKUST, Professor Chen drives interdisciplinary collaboration, developing high-resolution urban weather prediction frameworks, policy-relevant climate datasets, and exploring adaptation strategies for cities in the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia. His research integrates physical science, data-driven modelling, and sustainability applications to improve climate resilience and urban planning.

In 2025, he received the Luke Howard Award from the International Association for Urban Climate (IAUC) - the organization’s highest honour - recognising his exceptional leadership and transformative contributions to urban climate research. He is also the co-chair of the World Meteorological Organization and the World Weather Research Programme Urban-PREDICT initiative, advancing urban weather hazard early-warning systems that protect lives and livelihoods.

Through mentorship and collaboration, Professor Chen is shaping the next generation of atmospheric scientists. His vision aligns with HKUST’s interdisciplinary mission; bridging research and policy to build sustainable cities.