Dr. Bor-Ming Jahn stands as a preeminent geochemist whose pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of Earth's geological processes and extraterrestrial materials. Currently serving as Director of the Institute of Earth Sciences at Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan, and holding the distinguished position of Chair Professor at National Taiwan University, his academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Geology from National Taiwan University in 1963. He furthered his expertise with an M.Sc. in Geochemistry from Brown University in 1967 and earned his Ph.D. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Minnesota in 1972. His early career included prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Lunar Science Institute, establishing the foundation for his internationally recognized research program.
Dr. Jahn's groundbreaking contributions to geochemistry have transformed our understanding of planetary formation and evolution through innovative isotopic analysis techniques. His seminal work on lunar samples from the Apollo missions provided crucial insights into the Moon's geological history and its relationship to Earth's formation processes. The development of precise analytical methods for rare earth elements in igneous rocks has become standard practice in the field, enabling more accurate dating of geological events and tectonic processes. His extensive research on Asian continental crust evolution has particularly illuminated the complex geological history of the Taiwan region and surrounding areas, with his publications receiving widespread recognition and citation across the geological sciences community.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Jahn has profoundly shaped the field through his leadership as Editor-in-Chief of prestigious geological journals and his mentorship of generations of earth scientists across Asia and internationally. His role in establishing collaborative research networks between Taiwanese institutions and global partners has elevated Asia's prominence in geological research. Recognized with the 2014 International Award from the Geological Society of America, his contributions continue to influence contemporary geological thinking despite his formal retirement from Academia Sinica in 2010. Dr. Jahn's legacy endures through his extensive body of work and the ongoing impact of his methodological innovations that continue to guide research in geochemistry and planetary science worldwide.
