Dr. Farhod Nasrulloev, a postdoctoral researcher and special research assistant with the Arid Region Water Resources and Land Surface Processes Group at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, received the Ismoil Somoni Prize for Young Scientists, Tajikistan’s highest national award for young scientists, on Aug. 31.

Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda presented Nasrulloev with the medal and certificate on behalf of the president.

Established in 1998, the Ismoil Somoni Prize recognizes young scientists for achievements in natural sciences, technical sciences, humanities and medicine. The award supports the development of young scientific talent in Tajikistan.

Nasrulloev’s research focuses on climate change, glacier and snow-cover dynamics, water-resource assessment, and cryosphere stability in Central Asia and Tajikistan. These issues are closely linked to water availability and climate resilience across the region.

Working with Prof. Chen Yaning and the XIEG research team, Nasrulloev has investigated how environmental change affects regional water resources. His work contributes scientific evidence for climate-change adaptation and water-resource management in Central Asia.

The award recognizes Nasrulloev’s contribution to research on climate, cryosphere and water-resource issues of shared importance to Tajikistan and the wider Central Asian region.

Certificate of the 2026 “Ismoil Somoni Prize for Young Scientists”. (Image by XIEG)