Prof. Kaoru Sato, President of the Meteorological Society of Japan, has elucidated the picture of atmospheric gravity waves and  their role in global-scale atmospheric phenomena through research using high-resolution observation data and high-resolution atmospheric general  circulation models. In addition, she planned and led the construction of  the world’s first large atmospheric radar (mesosphere-stratosphere-troposphere/incoherent scatter radar) in the Antarctic region, where observation means were limited. Her achievements have led to a deeper understanding of the hierarchical structure of the atmosphere, and she has made significant contributions to the development of the atmospheric science.

Horinouchi, T., 2021: 「佐藤薫会員　紫綬褒章受章」, Tenki, 68(7), 362. (in Japanese, available 6-months to 1-year after publication for public, from the member site for MSJ members.)

(Picture from the web page of the University of Tokyo)