Dr. Tianpeng Hu’s Research Excellence Award recognizes outstanding contributions to environmental and soil-related research, particularly in the study of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their interactions within soil, water, and atmospheric systems. His research focuses on understanding the distribution, sources, transformation, and ecological risks of contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals across diverse environmental gradients. By integrating advanced analytical techniques, field investigations, and high-resolution sedimentary records, his work provides critical insights into pollutant transport, air–soil exchange, and long-range atmospheric deposition. Significant emphasis has been placed on assessing environmental and human health risks, as well as the impact of industrialization and climate change on pollutant dynamics. His contributions also extend to soil remediation and ecological restoration strategies, promoting sustainable environmental management. With 57 scholarly documents, 1,388 citations across 1,234 citing documents, and an h-index of 22, his research demonstrates strong academic influence and global relevance. The work not only advances scientific understanding of environmental contamination processes but also supports the development of evidence-based policies and innovative solutions for protecting ecosystems and public health.