Successful scientific research results often arise from collaboration between scientists from multiple disciplines. The award-winning study for the Future Science Prize in Physical Science this year – the computational prediction and experimental realisation of topological electronic materials – is a distinctive example of collaboration between three scientists, namely Professor Zhong FANG, Professor Xi DAI and Professor Hong DING.

Professor Zhong FANG and Professor Xi DAI discovered that the “electronic band structure” of certain materials would generate an extremely stable conductivity state and resist impurities interference. On the other hand, Professor Hong DING, by using the “angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy” technology, detected the existence of “Weyl semimetal” in the laboratory for the first time.

Their collaboration demonstrates the complementarity of theoretical prediction and experimental authentication. It not only transforms the once abstract scientific theories into materials that can be applied practically, but also shows the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.