Keynote Speakers
Leading global researchers delivering plenary addresses on frontier topics in science and innovation.
Prof. Suniti Karunatillake
Dr. Suniti Karunatillake is a planetary scientist and Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at Louisiana State University. His research focuses on planetary critical zones, Mars geochemistry, regolith hydration, habitability, and the interpretation of satellite and in situ planetary data. He specializes in integrating remote sensing, geochemical mapping, and sedimentological analyses to better understand the geological and hydrological evolution of Mars and other planetary bodies.
Dr. Karunatillake earned a BA in Physics from Wabash College and a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, and Planetary Science from Cornell University, followed by postdoctoral research at Stony Brook University. Over the course of his career, he has contributed extensively to planetary science through interdisciplinary research, NASA-funded projects, mission concept development, and international collaborations. His work has advanced understanding of Martian surface processes, crustal evolution, hydrothermal activity, and the potential for past habitability and biosignature preservation on Mars.
Dr. Karunatillake earned a BA in Physics from Wabash College and a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, and Planetary Science from Cornell University, followed by postdoctoral research at Stony Brook University. Over the course of his career, he has contributed extensively to planetary science through interdisciplinary research, NASA-funded projects, mission concept development, and international collaborations. His work has advanced understanding of Martian surface processes, crustal evolution, hydrothermal activity, and the potential for past habitability and biosignature preservation on Mars.
Prof. Zhao Yuyan
Dr. Yuyan (Sara) Zhao is a Professor at the Research Center for Planetary Science within the College of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Chengdu University of Technology, where she also currently serves as Associate Dean of the International Education College. She earned her Ph.D. in Geoscience from Stony Brook University in 2014, following an M.S. and B.S. in Geochemistry and Geology from Sun Yat-sen University.
Dr. Zhao’s research focuses on the geochemical and surface processes of terrestrial planets—particularly Mars. Her work investigates halogen cycling, iron oxidation, perchlorate and chlorate formation, and mineral stability under Martian atmospheric and aqueous conditions. She has led experimental studies on jarosite, olivine, and sulfate brines to better understand Mars’ past habitability and present-day surface chemistry.
A key member of China’s first Mars exploration mission (Tianwen-1) scientist team, Dr. Zhao has contributed directly to the analysis of data from the Zhurong rover. She is actively involved in the planetary science community, serving on the Youth Working Committee of the Chinese Society for Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, as a council member for several academic societies, and as Executive Editor of the journal Planet and an editorial board member of Acta Geochemica.
She has authored or co-authored numerous high-impact papers in journals such as Nature Astronomy, Nature Geoscience, Nature Communications, JGR: Planets, and Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. Her work bridges laboratory experiments, remote sensing, and in-situ rover data to advance understanding of Martian geology, climate evolution, and the potential preservation of biosignatures. Recognized as a leading scientist in planetary geochemistry, Dr. Zhao’s interdisciplinary contributions have positioned her as a leading voice in unraveling Mars’ complex environmental history on the global stage.