Peking University, September 1, 2025: On August 25, the winners of the 2025 Science Exploration Award were announced. Out of 50 outstanding young scientists, nine are from Peking University (PKU)—four faculty members and five alumni—making the university one of the most recognized institutions in this year’s selection.

PKU Faculty Awardees
● Liu Xiongjun, School of Physics (Mathematics and Physics): A pioneer in cold atom quantum simulation and condensed matter theory, Liu has advanced spin-orbit coupling studies and revealed universal mechanisms in quantum critical states.
● Yang Sihai, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering (Chemical New Materials): Specializing in porous materials, Yang has advanced characterization methods such as neutron scattering and synchrotron radiation, deepening understanding of weak chemical interactions and supporting new material development.
● Shen Bing, School of Earth and Space Sciences (Astronomy and Earth Sciences): Focused on Earth system evolution, Shen proposed the “Snow-Continent” dynamic model, providing insights into Neoproterozoic glaciations, early life evolution, and climate stability.
● Pang Quanquan, College of Materials Science and Engineering (Energy and Environment): Recognized for breakthroughs in metal–sulfur secondary batteries, Pang introduced new electrolyte strategies and molten salt aluminum–sulfur systems, expanding the scope of energy storage research.

PKU Alumni Awardees
● Li Tingxin (Mathematics and Physics): A 2011 doctoral alumnus, now at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, credited with providing the first conclusive evidence of the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect.
● Huang Fei (Chemical New Materials): A 1996 alumnus, now a professor at South China University of Technology, known for pioneering work in polymer optoelectronic materials and devices.
● Huang Xiaoqiang (Chemical New Materials): A 2009 master’s-PhD alumnus, now at Nanjing University, distinguished for developing chemoenzymatic catalysis strategies for asymmetric synthesis.
● Xu Tongda (Life Sciences): A 1999 alumnus, now at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, who discovered new auxin receptor systems, advancing plant developmental biology.
● Huang Xin (Astronomy and Earth Sciences): A 2009 doctoral alumnus, now a professor at Nanjing University, recognized for innovative modeling of atmospheric environments and extreme weather feedback mechanisms.

About the Science Exploration Award
Established in 2018 by 14 renowned scientists, including Nobel Prize laureate Yang Zhenning, together with Tencent founder Pony Ma, the Science Exploration Award is funded by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation. It is China’s largest youth science award, providing 3 million RMB in funding over five years to full-time researchers under 45 (men) or 48 (women) working in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The 2025 awards cover ten fields, including mathematics and physics, chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences, medicine, information electronics, energy, advanced manufacturing, transportation, and interdisciplinary studies.

Since its creation, many PKU scholars and alumni have been honored for their contributions. This year’s recognition once again reflects the spirit of innovation and pursuit of truth that defines generations of Peking University scholars.

Source: PKU WeChat(Chinese)
Written by: Pralhad Gupta
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo