(Press-News.org) Pioneering theoretical physicist Fan Zhang, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Physics at The University of Texas at Dallas, is the recipient of the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Physical Sciences from TAMEST. He was chosen for his transformational research exploring new topological quantum matter, which has changed how we think about physics.
Dr. Zhang studies how millions of electrons in atomically thin materials interact to produce collective quantum effects such as magnetic, superconducting and topological phases. His theoretical predictions have guided and inspired scientists worldwide, leading to major discoveries in condensed matter physics.
One of his breakthroughs showed that a chiral stack of graphene – a material made of just one layer of carbon atoms – can host a remarkably rich landscape of emergent quantum phases. His theory was subsequently confirmed by multiple landmark experiments, establishing unprecedented fertile ground for exploring new forms of topology, magnetism, superconductivity and fractionalization. Dr. Zhang also solved a long-standing mystery in physics by identifying the only known solid-state material that behaves as a weak topological insulator, a rare quantum state predicted two decades ago but never found in any material until his work. In 2022, Dr. Zhang co-invented intelligent optical sensing by combining the light-matter interaction of two-dimensional materials with machine learning, with promising applications in areas such as medical imaging and infrared astronomy. Dr. Zhang’s theoretical work continues to inspire experimental breakthroughs worldwide and reshape our understanding of electronic correlations and topology.
“Dr. Zhang is an exceptional scientist whose bold theoretical insights have transformed our understanding of quantum matter and inspired a wave of experimental discovery,” said nominator Inga H. Musselman, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at The University of Texas at Dallas. “His work is redefining the boundaries of condensed matter physics and has enormous potential for technological innovation.”
Dr. Zhang is one of five Texas-based researchers receiving the TAMEST 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards. Each is chosen for their individual contributions addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.
Since the inception of the O'Donnell Awards in 2006, nearly $2.2 million has been awarded to more than 85 recipients in the categories of medicine, engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences and technology innovation. Eighteen past recipients have gone on to be elected to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, including six elected to more than one National Academy.
“The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards have shone a spotlight on Texas’ brightest emerging researchers who are pushing the boundaries of science and technology for the past 20 years,” said Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards Committee Chair Margaret A. Goodell, Ph.D. (NAM, NAS), Baylor College of Medicine, who herself received the O’Donnell Award in Medicine in 2011. “Each year, these awards celebrate not only exceptional individual achievement but also the profound impact that innovative research has on communities, industries and our future. It is inspiring to witness the next generation of trailblazers making Texas a global leader in transformative discovery.”
Dr. Zhang will be honored at the 20th Anniversary Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards Dinner and Ceremony on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and will present his research at the TAMEST 2026 Annual Conference: Pioneering Climate Innovations, taking place at the Kimpton Santo Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.
All are welcome to register to attend the ceremony and the conference. Nominations for the 2027 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards will open Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and close Monday, March 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. CT.
Interview opportunities with Dr. Zhang are available. Please contact:
Katherine Morales
Associate Vice President of Media Relations
The University of Texas at Dallas
Phone: 972-883-4321
Email: kmorales@utdallas.edu
TAMEST 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards Recipients:
Medicine: Pengfei Liu, Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine
Engineering: Bilal Akin, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Dallas
Biological Sciences: Yunsun Nam, Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center
Physical Sciences: Fan Zhang, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Dallas
Technology Innovation: Yue Hu, Ph.D., bp
About the O’Donnell Awards:
The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards annually recognize rising star Texas researchers who are addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.
The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards are made possible by the O’Donnell Awards Endowment, established in 2005 through the generous support of several individuals and organizations. View a full list of supporters here.
About TAMEST:
TAMEST was co-founded in 2004 by the Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison and Nobel Laureates Michael S. Brown, M.D., and Richard E. Smalley, Ph.D. With more than 355 members, eight Nobel Laureates and 23 member institutions, TAMEST is composed of the Texas-based members of the three National Academies (National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences) and other honorific organizations. We bring together the state’s brightest minds in medicine, engineering, science and technology to foster collaboration, and to advance research, innovation and business in Texas.
TAMEST’s unique interdisciplinary model has become an effective recruitment tool for top research and development centers across Texas. Since our founding, more than 325 TAMEST members have been inducted into the National Academies or relocated to Texas.
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