NYU Shanghai and East China Normal University are excited to announce the winners of the fifth annual N.E.T. Student Award for Research Excellence. The Award honors students who have made outstanding achievements in scientific research.
Launched in 2015, N.E.T. (NYU Shanghai - ECNU Joint Graduate Training Program) is a program by which students obtain an enriched graduate education through mentorship by NYU Shanghai faculty advisors and benefit from the education and research resources of both NYU Shanghai and East China Normal University. Currently, NYU Shanghai partners with 13 ECNU schools to recruit graduate students across 17 majors.
Award Recipients for AY2025/26
This year’s awardees embody the diverse strengths of the N.E.T. Community, reflected in their experience, areas of focus, and approach to research. From a pool of highly competitive applicants, five talented and motivated students were selected. Selection was determined by a faculty and leadership committee, in a rigorous process that began with the review of student applications and faculty recommendations, and culminated in a mini-symposium with a final oral presentation.
This year’s Research Excellence Award winners include:
(In Pinyin order of the last name)
Ph.D. Students
Xinjing Li, Ph.D. student of neuroscience, Entering Class 2022
Advisor: Professor Xing Tian
Hongping Sun, Ph.D. student of ecology, Entering Class 2024
Advisor: Professor Chenghe Guan
Hang Yuan, Ph.D. student of Statistics, Entering Class 2024
Advisor: Professor Dan Wang
Master's Students
Zixin Ye, master’s student of psychology, Entering Class 2025
Advisor: Professor Yuerui Wu
Hao Zeng, master’s student of optics, Entering Class 2023
Advisor: Professor Xiang Sun
The N.E.T. Program Award Committee commends the hard work and determination that these students have demonstrated and wishes to encourage the continued success of their academic research careers. We will soon launch a N.E.T. student interview series to accompany the awards and spotlight students’ accomplishments and professional development. We are excited to share these stories with you.
Congratulations to this year’s N.E.T. Award winners!