Our People

Head of School, Chemical Engineering

Professor Yan Jiao is a distinguished expert in energy materials design and molecular modelling, with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. She obtained her PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Queensland in 2012 and has since been a key member of the University of Adelaide’s School of Chemical Engineering. Yan has taken on several leadership roles within the school, including Director of Research, Deputy Head, and then Acting Head. 
 
Yan’s research focuses on the computational design of clean and sustainable energy conversion materials. She is internationally recognised as a Highly Cited Researcher in Chemistry by Clarivate Analytics since 2019. Her research has attracted significant funding such as ARC Discovery Projects and Future Fellowship. She is a Chief Investigator and Program Leader for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation.
 
Yan’s achievements have been widely recognised. She was named an Australian Young Tall Poppy, a finalist for the prestigious Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year and finalist for the South Australian Woman of the Year. She is serving as Australian Research Council’s College of Experts member.
 
As an academic leader and researcher, Yan is dedicated to fostering innovation, mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers, and advancing sustainability through cutting-edge research and leadership. 

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