As technology advances and concerns about sustainability become more pressing, researchers worldwide are seeking new ways to tackle the energy- and environment-related challenges facing modern society. Some of the most promising practical applications come from materials science and electrochemistry—the main fields of expertise of Professor Minhua Shao, HKUST’s appointed Cheong Ying Chan Professor of Energy Engineering and Environment.

Serving as Head & Chair Professor of HKUST’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Director of the HKUST Energy Institute, Professor Shao is an internationally recognized scholar with a 20-year track record of spearheading research on electrochemical systems, nanomaterials, and electric vehicles. As such, he is the ideal recipient of the Cheong Ying Chan Named Professorship, which was created to support the University’s mission of fostering breakthroughs in science and engineering that ultimately lead to the betterment of humankind.

Electrochemical energy conversion and storage represent a major area of innovation by Professor Shao and his group. He is currently leading projects on the development of high-performance and long-life hydrogen fuel cells and high-energy density solid-state lithium batteries, among other innovative directions, which are supported by major local and national funding bodies. The research team led by Prof. Shao, found a new formula which not only could cut down the proportion of platinum used by 80%, but also set a record in terms of the cell’s durability level. Such research holds great promise for advanced sustainability applications, ushering in the next generation of environmentally friendly energy devices.

After graduating in 2006 from the State University of New York at Stony Brook with a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Professor Shao took up prominent industry positions, honing his applied skills in advanced nanomaterials and electric vehicle development at UTC Power and Ford Motor Company. He joined HKUST in 2014 as Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, rising rapidly through the University’s ranks and taking over the directorship of the HKUST Energy Institute in 2021.

In the last 20 years, Professor Shao has published over 240 peer-reviewed articles and filed over 30 patent applications (19 issued). As well as holding key editorial posts for prestigious journals, he has received myriad honors and awards in recognition of his achievements, including the International Outstanding Young Chemical Engineer Award (2022) and the Teaching Excellence Appreciation Award of the HKUST School of Engineering (2017). He is one of the founding members of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences and was awarded the status of UTC Technical Fellow for his outstanding technical contributions and strategic leadership and mentoring skills.

The University is delighted to further recognize the accomplishments of this exceptional scientist by appointing him Named Professor.