On the morning of April 28, 2025, Charles M. Lieber, a globally renowned researcher in nanoscience and chemistry, joined Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) as a full-time faculty member. He was also appointed as Chair Professor of Tsinghua University, Tsinghua's highest faculty honor.
Wang Hongwei delivering a welcome speech
In the Chair Professor investiture ceremony, Tsinghua Vice President Wang Hongwei warmly welcomed Lieber’s commitment to joining Tsinghua, and highlighted how world-class scholars like Lieber are essential in enhancing the university’s academic excellence. He remarked, Lieber joining Tsinghua SIGS “will significantly advance materials science and biomedical engineering development at Tsinghua University and Shenzhen, foster in-depth interdisciplinary collaborations between domestic and international research teams, and support the growth of young scholars into world-class scientists.”
Dean of SIGS Ouyang Zheng emphasized Lieber’s pioneering research and leadership in the field, along with SIGS’s commitment to developing a globally inclusive environment for innovation. He stated, Lieber’s participation will “advance SIGS’s academic excellence and contribute to the establishment of a world-class scholarly community.”
Wang Hongwei (right) presenting the appointment certificate for Chair Professor of Tsinghua University to Charles M. Lieber (left)
In the ceremony, Lieber was also appointed as the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) Investigator. Director of SMART Yan Nieng said, “For over two decades, Dr. Lieber has been a towering figure in science. Collaborating with him in Shenzhen is a privilege, and his presence will undoubtedly accelerate the city’s ascent as a hub for education and research.”
Yan Nieng (right) presenting the appointment certificate for SMART Investigator to Charles M. Lieber (left)
Lieber expressed his gratitude to Tsinghua, SIGS and SMART for their support. “Shenzhen’s dynamism and innovative spirit align perfectly with my vision to co-create a global scientific hub here,” he said, “I am eager to embark on this journey, collaborating with SIGS and SMART to turn ambitious scientific dreams into reality.”
About Charles M. Lieber
Charles M. Lieber is a leading scientist in nanoscience and chemistry, a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine,and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Recognized as the world’s top chemist by Thomson Reuters from 2000 to 2010, he was appointed as University Professor of Harvard University in 2017.
A pioneer in nanomaterials, Lieber has revolutionized the synthesis and application of nanostructures in biomedicine, electronics, and neurotechnology. His breakthroughs in nanowires, nanoelectronics, and biosensors have reshaped computing, photonics, and brain-machine interfaces. His accolades include the Welch Award in Chemistry, Wolf Prize in Chemistry, and the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award.
About Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS)
Launching in March, 2019, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) has been combining Tsinghua University’s century-old academic excellence with Shenzhen’s dynamic innovation ecosystem to tackle global challenges.
With over 250 faculty members, 5,500 graduate students, and 7 interdisciplinary research directions, SIGS is at the forefront of research in smart cities, material and biomedical engineering and climate resilience, partnering with industry giants like Tencent to translate academic breakthroughs into impactful technologies. “We engineer Tsinghua’s legacy into global solutions and drive Shenzhen’s innovation toward global impact,” says the leadership, “At SIGS, our students and faculty thrive at the intersection of academia and industry and drive progress that transcends borders.”
Source: Office of Human Resources
Edited by Huang Xiaojia
Reviewed by Nie Xiaomei & Li Xiangming
