Gen Li's research focuses on the dynamic processes that cycle materials and elements in the Earth system and how these processes act to make Earth a habitable planet. His research combines laboratory experiments, fieldwork, theory, numerical modeling, and remote sensing. Ongoing research topics include tectonic and erosional controls on the carbon cycle, landslide sediment dynamics, erosion and construction of mountain belts, sediment and organic carbon transport in river systems, and ages and reactivities of organic carbon in natural environments.