A Nobel Laureate in Physics and one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century, Professor Yang played a pivotal role in the inception and development of the Shaw Prize. His involvement began in 2002 when the Prize’s founder, Mr Run Run Shaw, sought his advice on establishing an international prize. Drawing on his experience as a recipient of the Nobel Prize, Professor Yang provided invaluable insights that shaped the Prize’s founding principles.

A Preparatory Committee was formed the same year, and Professor Yang was instrumental in defining the award categories and selection process. By the end of 2002, The Shaw Prize Foundation was established. Alongside other founding members of the Shaw Prize Council – Mrs Mona Shaw and Professor Lin Ma, he remained deeply engaged until stepping down in 2015, at the age of 93.

The First Shaw Prize was awarded in 2004, and from 2004 to 2015, Professor Yang served as the Chair of the Board of Adjudicators, bridging the specialist Selection Committees, the Council, and the Foundation. Throughout his years with the Shaw Prize, Professor Yang actively and enthusiastically participated in the activities related to the Prize, and his support continued even after retiring from his official roles.

In the inaugural 2004 Shaw Prize Award Presentation Ceremony, Professor Yang remarked that the Shaw Prize will be “one of the great permanent institutions in the history of the mankind”. The Shaw Prize Foundation was deeply indebted to Professor Yang for his profound contribution, not only to the Shaw Prize but also the scientific community at large. We extend our deepest condolence to Professor Yang’s family, friends, and colleagues.