Deputy Director at Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China
Dr. Su Pibo is a distinguished senior engineer and recognized leader in marine geosciences, with a primary focus on gas hydrate exploration and development. Currently, he serves as the Acting Deputy Director of the Marine Silk Road Geoscience Research Department at the South China Sea Geosciences Institute, a branch of the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey. Additionally, he holds the role of Deputy Chief Geologist at the National Engineering Research Center for Gas Hydrate Exploration and Development. Beyond his administrative leadership, Dr. Su plays vital roles in China’s scientific community, serving as Vice Chairman of the Geophysical Society of Hainan Province, committee member of the Geological Society of China’s Science Popularization Committee, and a youth expert for the Earth Science Frontiers (ECF). He actively contributes to postgraduate education, mentoring students at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan and Beijing), and Guilin University of Technology. His editorial involvement spans numerous influential journals, underscoring his authority in geochemistry and marine geology. Dr. Su’s career exemplifies a deep integration of academic research, technological innovation, and scientific leadership, positioning him as a driving force in China’s advancement of gas hydrate science and marine geological research.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Su Pibo’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his professional expertise in marine geology and gas hydrate research. Although specific degree timelines and institutions are not detailed in the original profile, it is evident that he has achieved the highest levels of academic qualification, holding a doctoral degree in a geoscience-related discipline. His education likely included intensive training in geological sciences, marine exploration technologies, and resource evaluation—fields he would later contribute to significantly in practice. His qualifications have equipped him to serve not only in scientific research but also in educational leadership. He is currently a postgraduate supervisor at several prestigious institutions, including the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan and Beijing), and Guilin University of Technology. His mentoring roles reflect both his educational background and his commitment to training the next generation of earth scientists. Through teaching, research supervision, and involvement in academic publishing, Dr. Su bridges academic theory with real-world exploration, applying foundational geoscience principles to the rapidly evolving fields of marine resource development and gas hydrate technology.
Professional Experience
Dr. Su Pibo has established a distinguished professional career in marine geological research and gas hydrate exploration. He is currently the Acting Deputy Director of the Marine Silk Road Geoscience Research Department at the Sanya South China Sea Geosciences Institute under the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey. In parallel, he serves as Deputy Chief Geologist at the National Engineering Research Center for Gas Hydrate Exploration and Development. These positions have enabled him to lead major scientific investigations and shape strategic directions in marine geoscience. Dr. Su has directed more than ten national and regional projects related to natural gas hydrates, contributing significantly to the understanding of accumulation systems, exploration technologies, and resource assessment methodologies. His leadership extends beyond project execution to professional service: he is Vice Chairman of the Hainan Geophysical Society, committee member of the Geological Society of China, and a youth expert within the Earth Science Frontiers community. Editorially, he influences scientific discourse through roles in Frontiers in Geochemistry, Unconventional Resource, and as a guest editor for Frontiers in Earth Science and Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. His comprehensive career reflects a blend of scientific innovation, institutional leadership, and academic mentorship.
Research Interest
Dr. Su Pibo’s research interests focus primarily on the formation, distribution, and exploration of natural gas hydrates in marine environments. His work aims to unravel the mechanisms behind gas hydrate accumulation systems in offshore basins, particularly in the South China Sea. He explores the geological, geochemical, and geophysical processes that influence hydrate stability, with an emphasis on both theoretical modeling and field-based investigation. In addition, Dr. Su is interested in developing advanced exploration and assessment techniques, including seismic analysis, resource quantification, and remote sensing applications. He contributes to the improvement of evaluation methodologies that guide national energy strategies and marine resource utilization. Dr. Su also plays a key role in formulating industry standards, aiming to improve safety, efficiency, and consistency in gas hydrate exploration across China. His multi-disciplinary perspective integrates marine geology, geophysics, engineering, and environmental science to address the challenges and opportunities presented by gas hydrate development. As part of his broader scientific commitment, Dr. Su advocates for knowledge dissemination and interdisciplinary collaboration, participating in editorial work and scientific outreach. His interests continue to expand into cutting-edge technologies for clean energy and sustainable ocean resource exploitation.
Research Skills
Dr. Su Pibo possesses a robust set of research skills that encompass the full spectrum of marine geological investigation and gas hydrate exploration. His technical competencies include marine seismic interpretation, geophysical data analysis, sedimentology, and basin modeling—tools he has applied extensively in identifying and evaluating gas hydrate systems. He is adept at integrating geological and geochemical datasets to model hydrate formation mechanisms and assess potential reserves. Dr. Su also specializes in the development and application of new exploration technologies, such as sub-seafloor imaging and core-sample analysis, which have significantly advanced resource detection accuracy in deep-sea environments. His capacity to lead large-scale field investigations, manage multidisciplinary teams, and navigate logistical and environmental challenges has been pivotal in the success of over ten national-level projects. He is also skilled in scientific communication, having authored 37 papers (20 SCI-indexed), eight monographs, and served as editor or reviewer for top-tier journals. Moreover, his contributions to patent development and industry standardization reflect practical innovation, bridging theoretical research with applied geoscience. Through teaching and mentoring, he further demonstrates skills in academic leadership and knowledge transfer, fostering a new generation of marine geoscientists.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Su Pibo’s impactful contributions to the field of marine geology and gas hydrate exploration have earned him numerous prestigious awards, underscoring his academic and professional excellence. In 2020, he received the First Prize of the Geological Science and Technology Award from the China Geological Survey (ranked 3rd), acknowledging his innovative work in geological sciences. In 2021, he was honored with the Second Prize of the Marine Science and Technology Award (ranked 4th), celebrating his research in offshore resource development. His recognition continued in 2022 with the First Prize of the Natural Resources Science and Technology Award (ranked 5th), reflecting his leadership in resource evaluation and geoscience strategy. Most recently, in 2024, he was awarded the Third Prize for Scientific Progress by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (ranked 1st), highlighting his top-tier contributions to applied industrial science. These accolades not only demonstrate Dr. Su’s scientific leadership and research achievements but also affirm his pivotal role in enhancing China’s capacity in marine energy resource exploration. His recognition across different sectors illustrates a rare blend of academic rigor, practical innovation, and national-level scientific influence.
Conclusion
Dr. Su Pibo stands at the forefront of China’s efforts to explore and develop marine gas hydrate resources. His extensive experience, interdisciplinary expertise, and commitment to both science and education have positioned him as a key figure in the field of marine geosciences. With over a decade of leadership in national research initiatives and contributions to academic literature, Dr. Su has made original and lasting impacts in understanding and evaluating offshore gas hydrate systems. His dedication extends beyond research, encompassing scientific communication, standardization, and mentorship of graduate students across top-tier institutions. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, his work contributes to strategic approaches for sustainable energy development through marine resources. Through editorial service, participation in academic societies, and innovative technology development, Dr. Su fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking scientific community. His achievements, including national awards and peer recognition, reflect not only his professional excellence but also his lasting influence on China’s marine energy exploration agenda. Dr. Su’s career exemplifies how focused research, institutional leadership, and broad scientific engagement can collectively drive meaningful progress in geoscience and energy innovation.