Principal Investigator

詹瑜璋博士 研究員
Yu-Chang Chan, Ph.D.

Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica
Research Fellow | Professor, TIGP
Structural Geology • Tectonic Geomorphology •
Remote Sensing • LiDAR & UAV Mapping

About Me

I am a Research Fellow at the Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica, and a Professor in the Taiwan International Graduate Program. I am a geologist specializing in structural geology, tectonic geomorphology, landslides, and remote sensing. My research seeks to understand how geological structures, tectonic deformation, and surface processes interact to shape evolving mountain landscapes and influence geological hazards.

My work integrates field observations with high-resolution topography, LiDAR, UAV surveys, photogrammetry, InSAR, thermal imaging, and geospatial analysis. These multidisciplinary approaches allow geological and geomorphological processes to be investigated across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from individual slopes and river channels to regional fault systems and active mountain belts. Working closely with students and collaborators, I have advanced three-dimensional geological mapping and its application to Taiwan’s complex and densely vegetated mountain regions. My research has also contributed to improved methods for monitoring landslides, quantifying erosion and sediment transport, and interpreting tectonic deformation and mountain-building processes.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Geology & Geophysics, University of Connecticut, USA
  • M.S. in Geology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
  • B.S. in Geology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan

Professional Appointments & Experience

Administrative & Leadership Roles

  • Convener, Panel of Earth Sciences (Geology), National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), 2025–Present (國科會地質學門召集人)
  • Deputy Director, Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica
    • Academic Affairs (2018/1–2022) (學術副所長)
    • Administrative Affairs (2023–2026/8) (行政副所長)
  • Secretary General, Geological Society of Taiwan, 2009–2013 (地質學會秘書長)

Academic & Research Appointments

  • Research Fellow, Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica, 2018–Present
  • Professor, Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), Academia Sinica, 2018–Present
  • Adjunct Professor, National Taiwan University (2021–Present)
  • Adjunct Professor, National Central University (2018–Present)
  • Associate Research Fellow, Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica, 2009–2017
  • Associate Professor, Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), Academia Sinica, 2009–2017
  • Adjunct Associate Professor, National Central University, 2009–2017
  • Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica, 2002–2008
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Yuan Ze University, 2001–2002
  • Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow, National Taiwan University, 2002
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Earth Sciences, Academia Sinica, 1998–2001
  • Teaching and Research Assistant, University of Connecticut, USA, 1993–1998

Major Research Projects (Principal Investigator)

  • Understanding the Landslide and Erosion Processes, Academia Sinica Thematic Program (2019–2021)
  • Acquisition of High-resolution Digital Elevation Models Using Airborne LiDAR Techniques and Their Applications, Central Geological Survey (2005–2011)

Visiting Exchange Experience

  • Visiting Scholar, Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA (2005)
  • Visiting Scholar, Earth Sciences, University of Montpellier, France (2004)

Academic & Professional Service

  • Chair, Admissions Committee, Earth System Science, Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), Academia Sinica (2022–2025)
  • Member, Board of Directors, Chinese Geoscience Union (2020–2026)
  • Member, Journal Publication Committee, Chinese Geoscience Union (2020–2026)
  • Member, Admissions Committee, Earth System Science, TIGP, Academia Sinica (2018–Present)
  • Advisory Member, Earth Sciences, MOST/NSTC (2019–2022)
  • Managing Editor, Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (TAO) (2012–2015)
  • Lead Guest Editor, Special Issue "Potential Geohazards of the Taipei Metropolitan Area", TAO (2010)
  • Lead Session Convener, AGU Fall Meeting (2009, 2010, 2011)
  • Member, Panel of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology (2012–2014)
  • Member, Disaster Reduction Program Review Panel, Executive Yuan (2014–2016)
  • Member, International Collaboration in Natural Sciences Panel, Ministry of Science and Technology (2015–2017)
  • Member, Board of Directors, Geological Society of Taiwan (2013–2015)
  • Invited Speaker, AOGS Annual Meeting, Singapore (2009)
  • A Highlight of Significant Research Achievements, Academia Sinica (2008)
  • Invited Speaker, AGU Special Session on Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (2005)
  • Additional service on numerous national committees related to geology, higher education, natural hazards, and research evaluation (2005–2023)

Research Interests

  • Geologic Structures and Mountain Building Processes
  • Tectonic Geomorphology and Surface Processes
  • UAV and LiDAR Data Processing and Applications
  • Landslide Characterization, Monitoring and Modeling
  • Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Geology and Natural Hazards

Professional Memberships

  • American Geophysical Union (AGU)
  • European Geosciences Union (EGU)
  • Geological Society of Taiwan
  • Geophysical Society of Taiwan
  • Chinese Geoscience Union (Taiwan)

Research Collaborators

[Click Here]

Hsuehshan Range Rocks
Eocence Tachien Sandstone of the Hsuehshan Range in Central Taiwan (YC Chan)