Professor Yong Cao stands as a distinguished leader in the field of advanced materials science with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He currently serves as Professor and Director of the Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices at the South China University of Technology, a position he has held since 1999. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Leningrad University in Russia in 1965, followed by a PhD from the prestigious Tokyo University in 1987. Prior to his appointment at SCUT, Professor Cao held significant research positions including Professor at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences from 1986 to 1988, Visiting Scientist at the Institute of Polymer and Organic Solids at the University of California, Santa Barbara from 1988 to 1990, and Senior Scientist at Uniax Corporation in California from 1990 to 1999.
Professor Cao's pioneering research in organic and polymer optoelectronic materials has fundamentally advanced the development of next-generation optoelectronic devices, establishing him as a key figure in this rapidly evolving field. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding and application of polymer-based materials for light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and other optoelectronic applications, bridging the gap between fundamental chemistry and practical device engineering. With a substantial publication record of approximately 250 works and significant citation impact approaching 9,000 citations, his research has shaped the trajectory of polymer optoelectronics research in China and internationally. The transformative nature of his contributions was recognized through his election as a Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2001, a prestigious honor reserved for China's most distinguished scientists.
Beyond his individual research achievements, Professor Cao has played a pivotal role in cultivating China's scientific talent in materials science and establishing the country as a significant player in polymer optoelectronics research. His leadership extends internationally as evidenced by his recognition as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences in 2008, highlighting his global impact on the scientific community. Through his mentorship and institutional leadership, Professor Cao has nurtured a new generation of scientists who continue to advance the frontiers of materials science. His enduring influence persists through the ongoing work of the Institute he directs and the continued citation of his foundational research, ensuring his legacy as a cornerstone figure in the development of polymer optoelectronic materials and devices.
