Xinyan Huang

Xinyan Huang, Associate Professor, Dept. of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr. Xinyan Huang is the 2025 recipient of the IAWF Early Career Award for Fire Science in recognition of his exceptional research contributions and leadership in the wildland fire community. As an Associate Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dr. Huang has made significant advances in fire behavior science, particularly in smoldering wildfires, ignition processes, and wildfire emissions. His interdisciplinary research has bridged the gap between fire engineering and wildfire science, with over 200 journal papers and 6,000+ citations. Dr. Huang has received numerous prestigious awards, including the IAFSS and NSFC Early Career Awards, the Bernard Lewis Fellowship, and the SFPE "5 under 35" Award. His contributions have enhanced wildfire forecasting, suppression techniques, and the use of emerging technologies like AI and UAVs. He actively promotes diversity in STEM, mentoring female students and fostering international collaborations across multiple disciplines. Beyond research, Dr. Huang plays a vital role in wildfire science leadership, serving as an Associate Editor for several fire-related journals and as a board member of the International Association of Wildland Fire. His collaborative efforts have strengthened connections between traditional fire engineering and wildfire science, shaping the future of fire safety and environmental sustainability.