Chengrong Chen is a Distinguished Professor in Environmental Biogeochemistry and the leader of Griffith University’s Environmental Biogeochemistry Lab.

Chen is a world-leading researcher in environmental biogeochemistry, with a broad interest in climate change, waste recycling, decarbonation and environmental sustainability.  He has successfully managed several large R & D grants (>$20M) from both government and industry in the past 15 years.

He is committed to industry-led and outcome-oriented research to assist in building Australian industry and to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits. He is a past ARC Future Fellow and in the top 2% of world scientists (Stanford/Elsevier 2024). He is also an ARC College of Expert Panel member (2022-2025), was the Chair of Commission 4.3 in the International Union of Soil Science (2018-2021) and is an Editor of several key journals in his field.

Chen has established an extensive collaborative network both globally and in Australia, having supervised 26 PhDs and mentored 15 postdoctoral fellows. In 2024 he received the Griffith University Vice Chancellor Research Excellence Award and the Soil Science Australia JA Prescott Award for his impactful contributions to soil health, climate change mitigation, and environmental protection.

Chen is the SPW CRC’s main point of contact for all research and education and training matters.