World-Renowned Climate Scientist Axel Timmermann Named 'Honorary Citizen of Busan'

Pusan National University IBS Center for Climate Physics Director:
"Communicating with the Local Community Through Climate Science,
Aiming to Enhance Busan's International Standing"

Axel Timmermann, a world-renowned climate scientist recognized as one of the top 1% of researchers globally, and head of the IBS Center for Climate Physics at Pusan National University, has been selected as an 'Honorary Citizen of Busan.'

Axel Timmermann, Director of Pusan National University. Provided by Pusan National University

Pusan National University (President Choi Jaewon) announced that the city of Busan selected Axel Timmermann, head of the IBS (Institute for Basic Science) Center for Climate Physics at Pusan National University, as an 'Honorary Citizen of Busan' and presented him with an honorary citizenship certificate at the International Protocol Office of Busan City Hall on the morning of July 18.

Director Timmermann previously worked at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Germany and the University of Hawaii in the United States. Since 2017, he has served as a distinguished professor at Pusan National University, leading the IBS Center for Climate Physics (ICCP). In addition to his research in climate science, he has contributed to expanding the foundation of climate science and enhancing Busan’s international standing through education for future generations, public lectures, and international academic exchanges.

He has published approximately 340 papers in leading academic journals, including five in 'Nature' and four in 'Science.' He received the 'Scientist of the Year Award' in 2018 and the Minister of Science and ICT Award in 2022. For seven consecutive years, he has been named a Clarivate 'Highly Cited Researcher,' ranking 191st globally and 1st in South Korea among climate scientists according to Reuters.

Director Timmermann has taken the lead in climate education for youth and young adults through programs such as Pusan National University's 'PNU Summer School,' the high school climate project 'K-WIN,' a climate activist internship program for young people, and lab tours. He is also actively engaging with the general public through co-authoring books such as 'Climate Change and the Ocean' and 'Climate Science Class,' as well as appearances on Busan English Broadcasting BeFM.

He stated, "I am deeply honored and grateful to be selected as an Honorary Citizen of Busan," adding, "Together with the IBS Center for Climate Physics at Pusan National University, I hope to continue broadening scientific understanding of climate change and help establish Busan as a central city for climate science."

Since 1966, the city of Busan has selected individuals who have contributed to Busan’s development as 'Honorary Citizens of Busan.' Including Director Timmermann, a total of 282 people have been appointed as honorary citizens to date.

Notable honorary citizens include former national football team manager Guus Hiddink (2003), LPGA golfer Danielle Kang (2019), and Darcy Paquet, the subtitle translator for the film 'Parasite' (2020).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.