At the conferment ceremony on 30 November, UM awarded Prof. Zhang an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding academic accomplishments and impactful contributions to society. A distinguished scholar in crystal structure and materials science, Prof. Zhang has long been recognized for his influential research in quasicrystals, nanomaterials, and microstructure evolution.
Two days earlier, on 28 November, UM hosted the Doctor honoris causa Lecture featuring Prof. Zhang, the recipient of the university’s Doctor of Science honoris causa. Delivering a talk titled “In-Situ Microstructure Study on Property Variation of Advanced Materials under Simulated Service Condition,” Prof. Zhang presented cutting‑edge findings on the unique microstructures of quasicrystals and other functional nanomaterials, highlighting their potential technological applications. He emphasized the importance of precise characterization of microstructures and their evolution, urging researchers to explore new methodologies and theoretical frameworks to address unresolved challenges in advanced materials and device development.
In his introduction, UM Vice Rector and Interim Director of IAPME, Prof. Wei Ge, praised Prof. Zhang as an outstanding microphysicist and a pioneer in quasicrystal research whose work has significantly deepened scientific understanding of nanostructure behavior. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session moderated by Prof. Handong Sun, Associate Director of IAPME, during which Prof. Zhang engaged with participants on emerging research trends and technical challenges.
Dr. Lam Kam Seng Peter, Chair of the UM University Council, attended the lecture and presented a souvenir to Prof. Zhang. Following the event, Prof. Zhang met with representatives of the Institute to learn about UM’s latest advances in research planning, talent cultivation, and technology transfer. He commended the Institute’s accomplishments in advanced materials and functional devices and exchanged views on disciplinary development and strategic planning.
Prof. Zhang currently serves as a professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University and as Chief Scientist of the National Key Basic Research Development Program. His distinguished career has been recognized with multiple prestigious honors, including the First-Class National Natural Science Award, the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Science and Technology Award, and the China Young Scientist Award.
