Prof. Po joined HKUST as an Assistant Professor of Physics in 2021. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from the Chinese University in 2013, Prof. Po received an M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and graduated from Harvard University with a Ph.D. in 2018. He was a Pappalardo Postdoctoral Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology following his graduation until he joined HKUST. Prof. Po is a condensed matter theoretical physicist  whose interests broadly lie in the collective phenomena that arise when a large number of quantum particles interact and the intriguing interplay between symmetry, topology, and locality that can arise in quantum materials.

Established in 2012, the Croucher Innovation Awards aim to identify and provide substantial support to small number of exceptionally talented “rising stars” in science and engineering disciplines at a formative stage of their careers. They are one of the Croucher Foundation’s most prestigious awards. With the support provided with this award, Prof. Po will tackle challenging problems concerning the understanding and description of quantum many-body states through the lens of quantum entanglement.

The naming of Prof. Po as the Hari Harilela Assistant Professor of Physics was made possible through the generous support provided by the late Dr. the Honourable Hari N. Harilela, a distinguished Hong Kong Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist. This named professorship recognizes Prof. Po’s achievement in the field of theoretical condensed matter physics in areas ranging from topological materials to out-of-equilibrium quantum dynamics. It will enable Prof. Po to continue his research in the field of condensed matter physics for the betterment of the society.

Press release: Croucher Innovation Award 2023

Press release:  Seventh Inauguration Ceremony of Named Professorships