Yang Shao-Horn Will Join Nanyang Tech in January 2027
The MIT professor will lead the university's global research strategy starting in early 2027.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in People
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Yang Shao-Horn, a long-time faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will leave her current role to become the vice president of research at Nanyang Technological University in January 2027. She brings experience from over 24 years at MIT and her previous background in industry and international research institutions.
Why it matters
This move marks a significant leadership shift for a major research university, impacting the strategic direction of its scientific agenda. For operators in technology and energy sectors, tracking top-tier research leadership transitions provides insight into future R&D priorities and talent pipelines.
Yang Shao-Horn has spent over 24 years at MIT and mentored 150 students and researchers. Her move to Nanyang Technological University in January 2027 follows three decades of professional experience in the U.S. and abroad.
The players
Yang Shao-Horn
A seasoned academic researcher and member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering with extensive experience in energy storage and materials science.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A global research university known for its leadership in science, engineering, and technology development.
Nanyang Technological University
A research-intensive public university in Singapore that focuses on engineering, technology, and interdisciplinary research.
The details
Yang Shao-Horn will transition from her current faculty position at MIT to oversee the strategic research priorities at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Throughout her career, she has integrated industrial experience from Eveready in Ohio with academic roles in France and the U.S., resulting in her 2018 election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. Her mentorship model has facilitated the placement of 50 former researchers into academic positions.
Timeline
1992: Yang Shao-Horn graduated from Beijing University of Technology.
1998: Yang Shao-Horn received her PhD.
March 2002: Yang Shao-Horn interviewed at MIT.
2018: Yang Shao-Horn was elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
January 2027: Yang Shao-Horn joins Nanyang Technological University.
Market Landscape
The hiring of a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering to a vice-presidency role follows a pattern of global universities recruiting high-profile talent to bolster their scientific research standing. This move highlights how institutions compete for leading scientists to anchor their research priorities.
Businesses reliant on R&D collaborations should monitor the shift in research focus at Nanyang Technological University as Yang Shao-Horn takes office in January 2027. Review existing academic partnerships for upcoming changes in priority areas and strategic direction.
The takeaway
The movement of top-tier academic leaders between global hubs often signals shifts in regional research funding and innovation focus. Operators should track the research agendas of such incoming leadership to identify emerging technology trends in their specific supply chains.
Further reading
For more on high-level personnel transitions, see our coverage in People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam.
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