Fostering Global Scientific Collaboration

Xin (Sunny) Wang

Science doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In fact, collaboration is a strength of the research process. Xin (Sunny) Wang, associate professor at the City University of Hong Kong, is a huge proponent of this philosophy.

“My inspiration to serve the physics community comes from the belief that scientific progress thrives on collaboration and community support,” he said.

As an active member of the Physical Society of Hong Kong, including serving as Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary, Wang has been instrumental in organizing global conferences that have enabled physicists to network with each other, share research insights, and engage in professional development seminars, among other activities.

One of those conferences included the Hong Kong Tech Forum on Quantum Physics and Complex Systems in 2022, which involved discussing advancements and challenges in quantum physics and complex systems – a term that defines interacting parts that are difficult to model. Also, as a way to connect Chinese physicists who could not attend the 2024 APS March Meeting in person, Wang helped to organize a satellite event in Hong Kong, with support from APS, allowing researchers to showcase their work on the Society’s virtual platform. He plans to host another satellite event at the APS Global Summit in 2025.

Wang added that as an international gateway city, Hong Kong provided the opportunity to “foster an environment where academic exchange and collaboration could flourish.” He said he’s hopeful for a “borderless academic world.”

He further explained, “my desire to contribute to the development of science within the rich cultural context of China has driven me to create platforms for Chinese scholars to engage and share their knowledge globally.”

Being an APS member has also been beneficial in Wang’s goal to foster global scientific collaboration.

“The collaborative opportunities facilitated by APS have enabled me to work with leading scientists worldwide, enriching my research and broadening my professional horizons,” he said. “Moreover, APS's support for education and outreach aligns with my commitment to mentoring the next generation of physicists and promoting physics within my community.”

Learn more about how APS serves as a welcoming global hub for physicists around the world.