Professor Giulio Chiribella, Director of Quantum Information and Computation Initiative (QICI) at the School of Computing and Data Science (CDS), and Professor Shizhong Zhang, Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science, from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have been elected 2026 Fellows of the American Physical Society (APS).
Professor Giulio Chiribella was elected for his pioneering work in information-theoretic reconstructions of the quantum formalism and seminal contributions to the theory of quantum-induced indefinite causal order. His research focuses on quantum information theory, quantum foundations, quantum computation, and quantum AI. His work has contributed to the development of new theoretical frameworks for understanding quantum information processing and quantum technologies.
Reflecting on the election, Professor Chiribella said, "I am deeply honoured to join the community of APS Fellows, which includes many colleagues that I have known and admired over the years. This recognition is a tribute to a long-term engagement in fundamental research, and is especially meaningful to see works on causality and the information-theoretic foundations of quantum mechanics to be acknowledged at this level."
Professor Shizhong Zhang was nominated by the APS Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics for his fundamental discoveries in quantum physics. His research focuses on revealing the universal behaviour of strongly interacting quantum systems. His pioneering theoretical work on p-wave interactions, the foundations of spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensates, and the transport properties of dilute Fermi gases has significantly advanced the scientific understanding of how quantum particles interact and behave collectively.
Professor Zhang expressed his gratitude to those who have supported his research over the years. "I'm delighted that my work has been recognised by my peers, especially since much of it was inspired by theirs. I've been fortunate in the colleagues I've collaborated with and learned from, and in the steady support of HKU. For me, this honour is both deeply gratifying and a reminder to keep pushing forward, because so many interesting questions remain open."
The APS Fellowship programme recognises members who have made exceptional contributions to physics through original research, innovative applications, scientific leadership, or service to the global physics community. Election to the Fellowship is highly selective, with no more than 0.5% of the Society's non-student membership elected annually following a rigorous peer-review process.
