Outstanding Researcher Award 2025

Professor Tang holds a BSc in Chemical Physics from the University of Science and Technology of China and a PhD in Chemistry from Columbia University. He joined the University of Hong Kong in 2012 and was promoted to full Professor in 2024.

His research team focuses on advancing optoelectronic nanomachines and studying phase behaviour in active matter. The group aims to develop intelligent nanoscale robots for biological research and healthcare, as well as innovative morphological shifting materials for next-generation devices, pushing the frontiers of materials science and nanotechnology. Professor Tang is recognised as a pioneer in applying living colloids to materials research, with significant publications in leading journals such as Nature, Nature Nanotechnology, JACS, etc. In recognition of his innovative contributions, Professor Tang has received numerous prestigious awards, including the RGC Research Fellowship, the Croucher Senior Research Fellowship, the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, and the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize.

Professor Tang believes that the beauty of science reveals the ultimate secrets of the universe, while the power of technology offers pathways to a better life for all humanity. He emphasises that, to achieve remarkable outcomes, it is essential to transcend the boundaries of one’s own discipline, as knowledge from other fields can often yield new insights and wisdom.