Yu Huang, professor of materials science at the University of California, Los Angeles, is one of three recipients of the 2025 Global Energy Prize. She won in the category of non-traditional energy, becoming the first-ever woman to do so.
Dr. Huang was honored for her innovations in the field of catalyst development. In her work, she explores the unique technological opportunities that result from the structure and assembly of nanoscale building blocks. Throughout her career, her research has contributed to innovative nanotechnology developments in materials synthesis, catalysis, fuel cells, biomedical, and devices applications.
A UCLA faulty member since 2006, Dr. Huang currently serves as the Traugott and Dorothea Frederking Endowed Chair in the Samueli School of Engineering. She holds a joint appointment in the department of chemistry and biochemistry. Additionally, she is a member of the California NanoSystems Institute and a faculty scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Dr. Huang received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Science and Technology in China. She holds a master’s degree in chemistry and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Harvard University.