Hao Yan, a professor in Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences and the director for the Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc), an independent international organization of distinguished scholars and engineers performing forefront research and the development of advanced technologies.
Yan was elected to the Materials Science Division, one of the nine divisions electing fellows with internationally recognized research in science and technology. The honor is bestowed upon the most eminent European scholars and engineers, and non-EU scholars whose research has contributed significantly to the development of advanced technologies.
“Hao’s election to the European Academy of Sciences is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field of nanotechnology. His pioneering work in structural DNA nanotechnology has not only advanced scientific understanding but also paved the way for groundbreaking applications,” said Tijana Rajh, director of ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences. “We are incredibly proud of his achievements and the global recognition he continues to receive for his innovative work.”
At ASU, Yan has pioneered many developments in structural DNA nanotechnology and applied this new technology to develop molecular motors, sensors and templates for more complex nanostructural systems and biotechnology applications.
In addition, Yan’s dedication to research excellence and to mentoring the next generation of scientists has significantly enriched the academic community at ASU. To date, more than 30 of Yan’s former graduate students and postdocs are working as faculty in academic institutions in the U.S., China, Europe and India, with many of them having become senior scientists and leaders in chemical and biotechnology industries.
“It is a great honor to be recognized by my European peers for my research lab’s contribution in DNA nanotechnology and programmable materials,” said Yan, who has served as a faculty member at ASU for 20 years. “This is not only a great recognition of my ongoing collaborations with scientists in the European research community, but also showcases the global impact of ASU’s research.”
Yan adds: “I am very grateful to the years of collaborations with my colleagues at ASU and my students and postdocs’ contribution to our research accomplishments, which led to the recognition by EurASc.”
Yan’s other accolades include the Foresight Institute Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology; Rozenberg Tulip Award in DNA Computing; Humboldt Research Award; Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship; NSF Career Award; and AFOSR Young Investigator Award. He has also served as president of the International Society for Nanoscale Science, Computation, and Engineering.
He is a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors; the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering; and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is also an associate editor for both Science Advances and the ACS Applied Bio Materials journals.
Written By David Rozul,
Originally Published August 5, 2024.