Dr. Jianming Zhang | Seismic tomography and inversions | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at Ocean University of China, China

Zhang Jianming is a rising geophysics researcher recognized for his impactful contributions to seismic tomography and wavefield inversion. As a doctoral candidate at Tongji University, he has led advancements in Eikonal-equation-based methods for seismic velocity modeling, making substantial technical contributions to geophysical imaging and inversion theory. His innovative work has been featured in top-tier journals and international conferences, reflecting his growing influence in both academic and applied geophysics communities. Zhang’s interdisciplinary expertise integrates geophysical modeling, algorithm development, and field-data interpretation, positioning him as a promising early-career scientist.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Zhang’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in applied geophysics. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Geophysics from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) in 2019, where he graduated with distinction and was honored for his thesis on 3D source-independent waveform inversion using envelope methods. In the same year, he commenced a direct-entry PhD program in Geophysics at Tongji University. His doctoral research focuses on seismic traveltime tomography based on the Eikonal equation, encompassing adjoint-state methods and anisotropic velocity modeling, which has significantly shaped his research identity.

Experience

Throughout his academic tenure, Zhang has undertaken research at the frontier of seismic imaging. He has developed robust algorithms for fast traveltime computation in vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) media, and has implemented wave-equation-based inversion frameworks for subsurface modeling. Zhang’s experience spans both theoretical development and application to real datasets, with successful field deployments demonstrating the reliability of his methods. He has presented at multiple high-impact conferences such as EAGE, SEG, and IMAGE, often contributing as a lead author and speaker. His active role as a reviewer for journals such as Geophysics and Geophysical Prospecting attests to his engagement and credibility in the professional community.

Research Interest

Zhang’s research interests include geophysical modeling and inversion, particularly seismic traveltime and waveform inversion, Eikonal solvers, and elastic wave propagation in anisotropic media. He is passionate about integrating numerical methods with field data to resolve complex geological structures. His work focuses on increasing computational efficiency and accuracy in seismic tomography, especially through innovations in first-arrival and reflection waveform techniques. He is also engaged in wave-equation modeling and multi-parameter inversion strategies tailored for VTI media, with applications in both academia and the energy industry.

Awards

Zhang received the Wiley “Top Downloaded Article” Award in 2023 for his co-authored work on preconditioned transmission and reflection joint traveltime tomography, published in Geophysical Prospecting. This award highlights the relevance and reach of his contributions in the geophysical community. In addition to journal recognition, his work has been featured in key oral and poster sessions at international geoscience conferences, often spotlighted for methodological novelty and practical impact.

Publications

Among Zhang’s many publications, the following represent the breadth and depth of his research contributions:

1. Zhang J., Dong L., Liu Y., et al. (2025). “Eikonal-equation-based elastic velocities reconstruction for multi-component seismic reflection data.” Geophysics, 90(4), U47–U58. [Cited by 4 articles]

2. Zhang J., Dong L., Huang C. (2024). “A shortest-path-aided fast sweeping method in VTI media.” Geophysical Prospecting, 72(7), 2761–2771. [Cited by 6 articles]

3. Zhang J., Dong L., Wang J., et al. (2024). “Adjoint-state characteristic reflection traveltime tomography.” Geophysics, 89(1), U17–U30. [Cited by 5 articles]

4. Zhang J., Dong L., Wang J., et al. (2023). “Preconditioned transmission + reflection joint tomography.” Geophysical Prospecting, 71(2), 171–190. [Cited by 12 articles]

5. Zhang J., Dong L., Wang J., Wang Y. (2023). “Illumination compensation in VTI media.” Journal of Applied Geophysics, 211, 104964. [Cited by 3 articles]

6. Zhang J., Dong L., Wang J., Wang Y. (2022). “Multi-parameter traveltime inversion in VTI media.” Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 65(10), 4028–4046. [Cited by 8 articles]

7. Dong L., Zhang J., Han P. (2021). “Improved traveltime tomography via adjoint-state method.” Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 64(3), 982–992. [Cited by 7 articles]

Conclusion

Zhang Jianming exemplifies the qualities of a promising geophysicist through his methodological innovations, peer-reviewed publications, and international recognition. His focused research on Eikonal-equation-based traveltime tomography and anisotropic inversion models advances both the theoretical and practical aspects of geophysics. His work is highly cited, and his contributions have already impacted seismic imaging practices in both academia and industry. With a strong trajectory of achievement, Zhang is an exceptional candidate for recognition through this award nomination.