YNU School of Earth Sciences: A Legacy of innovation excellence

Faculty members and students of the school conduct academic discussions and field research. [Photo/WeChat account of Yunnan University]

Founded as the Department of Mining and Metallurgy in 1923, Yunnan University (YNU)'s School of Earth Sciences now offers five undergraduate programs: Atmospheric Science, Geophysics, Geographic Science, Geographic Information Science, and Geology. Atmospheric Science and Geographic Science are nationally recognized as top-tier programs, while Geology, Geophysics, and Geographic Information Science hold provincial acclaim.

The school also boasts two first-tier academic doctoral programs, two national postdoctoral research stations, five first-tier master’s programs, and various specialized research platforms.

In 2022, the School of Earth Sciences entered the top one percent of the global ESI rankings. The school provides exceptional resources, including high-level labs and innovative teaching centers, which enable faculty to conduct impactful research in educational reform. Since 2021, 56 research projects have been completed, and multiple publications have been made in reputable journals, including SSCI-indexed journals.

The school's "Professional" and "Elite" tracks cater to skill-focused and research-oriented students, respectively. Established in collaboration with top institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences, these tracks emphasize a "3+1" training model, offering three years of campus study and one year of research. The school also collaborates on a dual-degree program with the School of Public Affairs, aimed at nurturing interdisciplinary talent in emergency management.

Focusing on academic and ideological education, the school integrates "curriculum-based ideological instruction" into all its courses, aligning students' academic pursuits with social responsibility. Through competitive research opportunities, interdisciplinary programs, and fieldwork across Southeast Asia, the School of Earth Sciences continues to drive educational innovation and cultivate skilled, ethical, and globally aware earth science professionals.