Dr. Josefino C. Comiso, Adjunct Faculty at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), University of the Philippines Diliman, has been named a 2025 Union Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), one of the highest honors conferred upon Earth and space scientists worldwide.
Established in 1962, the AGU Fellows Program recognizes members who have made exceptional contributions to Earth and space science through significant breakthroughs, discoveries, or innovations in their fields. Fellows are selected for their sustained scientific impact, leadership, and adherence to AGU’s values of equity, integrity, diversity, and open science.
In its 2025 announcement, AGU noted that this year’s honorees have transformed understanding of the planet, advanced research and education, and contributed to solutions for a sustainable future. The 2025 Fellows will be recognized at the AGU25 Meeting, to be held from 15 to 19 December 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and online worldwide.
Dr. Comiso, a retired Senior Scientist from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, is internationally recognized for his pioneering research in satellite remote sensing of polar regions, which has deepened global understanding of sea ice dynamics, climate change, and the Earth’s cryosphere. He is the author or co-author of more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, eight books, and 25 book chapters, and a recipient of several NASA awards, including the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal.
In addition to his international work, Dr. Comiso has contributed to Philippine environmental research through publications such as Rediscovering Laguna de Bay: A Vital Natural Resource in Crisis (UP Press, 2024) and Changing Philippine Climate: Challenges to Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment (UP Press, 2014).
At IESM, Dr. Comiso serves as Adjunct Faculty, teaching Remote Sensing and mentoring graduate students in the application of satellite data for environmental and climate studies.
The Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology extends its congratulations to Dr. Josefino C. Comiso on this distinguished recognition and acknowledges his continuing contributions to advancing Earth observation science and capacity-building in environmental research.
Photo courtesy of NASA. Written by BBR with assistance from ChatGPT. The text has been reviewed and verified by the author, who takes full responsibility for its content.
