The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has implemented various policies to attract top-tier scholars from around the globe, strengthening HK's position as an international hub for education and innovation. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) announced yesterday (Oct. 17) that Ferenc Krausz, recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics, will assume the position of Chair Professor in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science starting next month.
As a world-renowned authority in ultrafast laser science and quantum optics, HKU stated that Krausz's appointment marks a significant strategic advancement in the university's foundational research capabilities. With his visionary academic insights, Krausz is expected to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, turning theoretical research into groundbreaking applications with global impact. His addition further solidifies HKU's leadership in cutting-edge scientific research on the international stage.
Krausz is one of the leading pioneers in attosecond physics, a field dedicated to capturing electron dynamics at inconceivably brief timescales. Between 2001 and 2004, he successfully isolated and measured attosecond light pulses for the first time, opening a revolutionary new perspective for studying atomic and molecular processes. This breakthrough fundamentally transformed research paradigms in modern physics, chemistry, and materials science.
Krausz has received numerous prestigious honors in the scientific community. In addition to the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics, which recognized his groundbreaking work in attosecond pulse generation, he has also been awarded the 2023 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award, the 2022 Wolf Prize in Physics, and the 2013 King Faisal International Prize for Science.
Krausz expressed his excitement about joining HKU, saying, "HKU's interdisciplinary vision aligns perfectly with the next chapter of my career. I look forward to collaborating with the University's brilliant minds to explore new frontiers, unlocking new possibilities in both fundamental discovery and technological innovation."
HKU President Zhang Xiang remarked that Krausz's groundbreaking research has expanded the boundaries of human knowledge, and his decision to make HK his new academic base is highly encouraging. Zhang emphasized that Krausz's presence will further enhance HKU's research ecosystem, fostering an inclusive and innovative academic environment. HKU is committed to continuously attracting the world's brightest minds to contribute to the advancement of human knowledge.
HKU Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) also highlighted the critical importance of recruiting global academic leaders like Krausz to the university's development. This move not only elevates HKU's research standards but also inspires transformative thinking within the academic community. By strengthening its global talent appeal, HKU aims to become the premier destination for outstanding scholars to achieve academic excellence.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Mo Nan; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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