Climate scientist Yu Liu new honorary doctor
Yu Liu has been appointed an honorary doctorate at the Faculty of Science and Technology. Yu Liu uses dendrochronology in his climate studies on the Tibetan plateau in China.
Congratulations to the Honorary doctor title, what are your feelings upon this?
“I’m truly honored and excited to receive this recognition. To be acknowledged by the University of Gothenburg, an institution renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to interdisciplinary research, is especially meaningful to me.”
What is so interesting with tree ring research?
“Dendrochronology is a fascinating scientific discipline that blends ecology, climatology, archaeology, anthropology, and more. Tree rings are faithful recorders of past climate and environmental changes, and their data withstand the test of time. In this era of rapid climate change, tree rings offer a baseline to distinguish between natural variability and human-induced shifts. I also have a deep love for the forests. It offers a temporary respite from the pressures of scientific research, allowing you to reconnect with nature, reduce stress, and recharge.”
What is the main focus of your research right now?
“While tree-ring records are well-established in many temperate areas, significant gaps remain in tropical, boreal, and high-altitude zones. Our team is working to expand these networks, particularly in regions highly sensitive to climate change. These regions are excellent benchmarks for studying climate change over the past four millennia. We are combining tree-ring data with other proxy sources such as ice cores, stalagmites, lake and marine sediments, and historical documents. We are also using emerging technologies such as high-resolution imaging and isotopic analysis.”
What have been the highlights in your cooperation with the University of Gothenburg?
“Together, we’ve carried out tree-ring studies in Scandinavia and on the Tibetan plateau, significantly contributing to regional climate reconstructions and advancing our understanding of climate systems of these two important regions. Together, we’ve also worked to bring tree-ring science to broader audiences through public lectures and exhibitions, highlighting its relevance to contemporary climate discussions.”
Anything else you might want to mention?
“I would like to emphasize the critical importance of supporting long-term environmental research. In a world often driven by short-term outcomes, disciplines such as dendrochronology serve as a powerful reminder that understanding our past is essential for navigating the challenges of the future,” says Yu Liu.
The promotion ceremony takes place on 17 October 2025.