Queen Mary University Of London: Professor Yang Hao Recognized with 2024 EurAAP Antenna Award for Pioneering Wireless Contributions

The European Association of Antennas and Propagation (EurAAP) presents this award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field. Professor Hao is being acknowledged for his exceptional work and world-leading contributions in body-centric wireless communications, wearable devices and metamaterials/transformation optics leading to breakthroughs shaping the future of next generational wireless technologies and solutions.   

“The field of antenna and propagation is constantly evolving, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its advancement. Receiving the EurAAP Award is a fantastic recognition of the importance of this field,” commented Professor Yang Hao. 

Professor Hao’s research focuses on metamaterials and transformation electromagnetics, a rapidly evolving field for antenna design and functionality. Here’s a closer look at his groundbreaking work: 

• Pioneering research: Professor Hao’s research group has been a leading force in metamaterials research since 2003. Their work, funded by EPSRC, the Leverhulme Trust, the Royal Society, and others has explored the fundamental properties of metamaterials and their potential applications in various electromagnetic structures. 
• Developing powerful modeling tools: His team has developed advanced computational techniques, including a unique understanding of FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) methods, to efficiently model and analyse complex metamaterials with negative refractive indices and other exotic properties. 
• Unlocking new antenna designs: Professor Hao’s research on transformation optics has paved the way for the development of novel antenna designs with functionalities like invisibility cloaking and enhanced directivity. 

Professor Hao’s leadership within the QUEST program (The Quest for Ultimate Electromagnetics using Spatial Transformations) has been a catalyst for innovation. Under his guidance, over 20 PhDs and PDRAs have been trained, becoming leading figures in the global metamaterials research landscape. 

This program has also fostered a culture of impactful research, generating a wealth of knowledge shared through publications. Beyond academia, Professor Hao’s work has led to the creation of patents, spin-out companies, and prestigious awards for his team members, demonstrating the real-world applications of their discoveries. 

Professor Hao’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of antenna and propagation research, particularly in the field of metamaterials, makes him a deserving recipient of the 2024 EurAAP Antenna Award. His work holds immense promise for the future of wireless communication, sensing, and other electromagnetic applications.