CityUHK chemist named 2026 Asian Young Scientist Fellow, the only recipient in Hong Kong
Professor Xu Jijian, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), has been named an Asian Young Scientist (AYS) Fellow in the 2026 selection round for his achievements in the physical sciences. He is the only scholar from Hong Kong among the 12 young scientists selected across Asia this year. The Fellowship recognises outstanding young scientists in Asia and supports them in carrying out creative and transformative research.
Professor Xu's research focuses on advanced battery materials, electrolytes and electrochemical reactions for sustainable energy technologies. The AYS Fellowship Committee acknowledged his work in battery chemistry and will support his research on reversible multi-electron conversion reactions.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive the AYS Fellowship,” said Professor Xu. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team, and I appreciate the nomination and support from our department.” He added that the team will continue to explore new battery chemistries aimed at achieving substantially higher energy density and welcomes young researchers interested in this field to join the team.
Professor Xu received the “Elite Youth” Award from the Chinese Chemical Society in 2024 and the Croucher Tak Wah Mak Innovation Award 2025, which includes HK$5 million in research funding over five years for developing high-performance batteries that operate reliably between -40°C and 80°C. His project titled “Electrolyte and Its Use in Lithium-based Batteries” also received a Gold Medal with Jury Congratulations at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva in March this year.
The Asian Young Scientist Fellowship is a privately funded research fellowship in the Asian region. It selects 12 early-career researchers each year in three fundamental science disciplines: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Mathematics and Computer Science. Each fellow receives US$100,000 over two years to support their research, along with participation in the AYSF annual conference and academic activities, and access to a network of young scientists across Asia and the world.
