Prof. Law Kam-Tuen, Chair Professor of the Department of Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been awarded the title of “New Cornerstone Investigator” by the Tencent-funded New Cornerstone Science Foundation. This prestigious recognition, which is exclusive to Hong Kong this year, provides up to RMB 15 million over a five-year period to enhance his research in quantum physics.
Among 35 distinguished scientists selected this year from across China, Prof. Law stands out as the only honoree from Hong Kong. His selection highlights HKUST’s prominent role in advancing fundamental scientific research.
In expressing his gratitude, Prof. Law stated, “I am deeply honoured to be selected as a ‘New Cornerstone Investigator.’ The funding will allow me to freely explore new quantum phenomena in flat band materials, where the kinetic energy of electrons is nearly completely quenched.” He aims to uncover discoveries in quantum materials that could lead to innovative designs for electronic and photonic devices. Additionally, he plans to use this significant support from Tencent to enhance resources for emerging researchers and to help train the next generation of physicists at HKUST.
Significant Contributions to Quantum Physics
Prof. Tim Cheng Kwang-Ting, Vice-President for Research and Development at HKUST, congratulated Prof. Law on his recognition, stating, “We are delighted that Prof. Law has been selected as a ‘New Cornerstone Investigator,’ a recognition that highlights his groundbreaking research.” He emphasized the ambitious and curiosity-driven nature of the research Prof. Law and his team will pursue in the field of quantum materials. Cheng also expressed gratitude for Tencent’s ongoing partnership, which has previously resulted in the establishment of the New Cornerstone Science Laboratory.
Prof. Law is internationally recognized for his contributions to the study of topological superconductors and other topological materials. Notably, in 2015, he co-discovered a new type of superconductor, known as the Ising superconductor, in collaboration with research teams in the Netherlands and the United States.
His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree from HKUST’s Department of Physics, followed by a Ph.D. in Physics from Brown University. He served as a Croucher Postdoctoral Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before returning to HKUST as a faculty member in 2011. His accolades include the 2015 Croucher Innovation Award, the Research Grants Council (RGC) Research Fellowship, and the 2023 Achievement in Asia Award (The Robert T. Poe Prize) from the International Organization of Chinese Physicists and Astronomers. He has also been elected as a 2024 Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS).
Fostering Future Research
This year, Prof. Law’s research on topological and strongly correlated quantum materials received further recognition through a grant from the RGC’s Areas of Excellence Scheme. The New Cornerstone Investigator Program, established by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation, aims to support research across Mathematics and Physical Sciences, as well as Biological and Biomedical Sciences, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary projects.
The program operates on a biennial selection cycle, allowing a maximum of 50 researchers to be chosen per cohort. Since its inception in 2022, it has recognized 139 outstanding scientists for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields. Prof. Law’s selection as a New Cornerstone Investigator reinforces HKUST’s commitment to being a global leader in quantum materials research.
