Chong-Yu Xu joined the Department of Geosciences in 2005 from Uppsala University. In his position as Professor of Hydrology at the University of Oslo, he has been a key academic figure and a highly important contributor to the hydrology community in Norway. Xu’s fields of expertise are hydrology, including stochastic methods and modelling. Among his research interests is numerical modelling of the effects of climate and environmental change at global, regional, and local scales.
His contributions at UiO were duly recognised with a pleasant farewell gathering on 24 February, with colleagues from the department, former students, and collaborators from research projects. Warm speeches were given by the department leadership through Professor Bernd Etzelmüller and Xu’s hydrology colleague, Professor Lena M. Tallaksen.
Award-winning hydrologist and internationally recognised scientist
Throughout an outstanding scientific career, Xu has been ranked among the most publishing researchers in Norway for several years, most recently highlighted in 2025 in the Norwegian newspaper for higher education and sciences Khrono. He has also distinguished himself on international rankings of leading scientists within his fields, including hydrology.
He has received a number of prizes and awards, the most recent in 2022: the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nordic Association for Hydrology (NHF), and in the same year the Publishing Award 2022 from the International Water Association (IWA).
A quote from the latter award is: ‘Professor Chong-Yu Xu obtained the IWA Publishing Award, in recognition of his exceptional work improving the Hydrological Research journal’s impact and reach.’
During his years at the department, he has been a dedicated teacher for hundreds of students in hydrology, including supervising many PhD candidates. Several former students attended the farewell event, and one particular highlight was the presentation of a photo book from the four study trips to China with former hydrology students from the Department of Geosciences.
Xu is widely recognised as a leading hydrologist and scientist, and is a member of both the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA) and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (DNVA).
Xu has also placed great emphasis on international collaboration and has been involved in many projects focused on water resources management and capacity building, as well as developing knowledge on water and the environment in developing countries.
During the farewell event marking his retirement from UiO, speeches were given, memories were shared, and heartfelt thanks were expressed for the effort he has devoted to the department, to teaching, and to research with collaborators around the world.
Thank you for your many years of contribution to hydrology at UiO, and best wishes for the future, Chong-Yu!
Sincerely,
your colleagues at the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo.