Distinguished scientist Professor Ferenc Krausz, 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physics, will join HKU as Chair Professor in the Department of Physics under the Faculty of Science, commencing November 2025. A luminary in ultrafast laser science and quantum optics, Professor Krausz’s arrival brings new dimensions to HKU’s research excellence, further solidifying the University’s global leadership in upstream research and pioneering new frontiers.
Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, remarked, “Professor Krausz’s Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs have expanded the frontiers of human knowledge. His decision to join the University underscores HKU’s – and Hong Kong’s – growing stature as a global hub for scientific excellence. As a beacon for world-class talent, his presence will further strengthen our research ecosystem, fostering an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and innovation converge to shape a better future.”
Professor Krausz stands among the foremost architects of attosecond physics, a revolutionary field that captures electron dynamics at inconceivably brief timescales. His seminal experiments (2001–2004), which first isolated and measured attosecond light pulses, unlocked unprecedented insights into atomic and molecular processes – reshaping modern physics, chemistry, and materials science. His contributions have been recognised with the highest honours in science, including the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing attosecond pulse generation, the 2023 BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award, the 2022 Wolf Prize in Physics, and the 2013 King Faisal International Prize for Science, cementing his status as one of the preeminent physicists of our time.
With a career defined by paradigm-shifting discoveries, Professor Krausz looks to HKU as the next stage for his pioneering work, “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.”
Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) commented, “Attracting scholars of Professor Krausz’s calibre is pivotal to HKU’s academic development mission. His leadership will not only elevate our research but also inspire transformative thinking across our academic community – ensuring HKU remains a destination for the world’s most ambitious minds.”
As a world-leading institution, HKU champions research excellence with real-world impact and continues to push the boundaries of knowledge. Professor Krausz’s appointment represents a strategic leap for the University, reinforcing its leadership in pioneering fundamental research and scientific discovery. Professor Krausz’s visionary approach will forge powerful interdisciplinary connections, transforming theory into revolutionary applications with global impact.
Professor Krausz will be delivering his inaugural lecture titled ‘Toward Affordable Preventive Healthcare: How Basic Science Addresses Grand Challenges’ at the Grand Hall on November 7, 2025. All are welcome.
