We are delighted to announce that Professor Wen-Hsien Li has been selected and approved in the 33rd AONSA Executive Committee Meeting as the recipient of the prestigious AONSA Prize 2025. The prize will be presented at the International Conference on Neutron Scattering 2025 (ICNS2025), to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Lund, Sweden. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Wen-Hsien Li on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to celebrating his remarkable achievements at the upcoming conference.

Citation: “For his outstanding contributions to neutron science, his leadership in cultivating a robust neutron research community in Taiwan, and his significant role in the development of AONSA.”

Professor Wen-Hsien Li completed his doctoral studies at Northeastern University, Boston, USA, in 1986, where he utilized neutron inelastic scattering at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to study magnetic excitations. Following his graduation, he joined the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) as a postdoctoral researcher under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey W. Lynn. During this time, he contributed to the development of a cutting-edge triple-axis spectrometer (BT-2 beam port) capable of both unpolarized and fully polarized neutron measurements.

Upon returning to Taiwan, Professor Li joined the Physics Department at National Central University (NCU) and quickly emerged as one of the leaders in neutron research in Taiwan. His remarkable scientific career has focused on quantum nanoparticles, magnetic and thermoelectric materials, and superconductors, addressing fundamental scientific questions and advancing the understanding of these fields. His extensive publication record in top-tier journals underscores the originality and depth of his contributions.

At the time, neutron-scattering facilities in Asia were limited to Japan and Australia, with Taiwan lacking the necessary infrastructure. Recognizing this gap, Professor Li worked tirelessly to advocate for the establishment of a new reactor, the Taiwan Research Reactor II (TRR-II). Although the reactor was not realized due to changing political landscapes, he successfully forged a partnership between Taiwan and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO). This collaboration resulted in the creation of the Cold Neutron Triple-axis Spectrometer, SIKA, at the OPAL reactor in Australia, a state-of-the-art instrument that continues to advance neutron research.

Professor Li established Taiwan Neutron Science Society (TWNSS) and has dedicated himself to mentoring the next generation of scientists, fostering a strong and vibrant neutron science community in Taiwan. His contributions extended to the international community, as he was one of the pioneers of Asia-Oceania Neutron Scattering Association (AONSA), serving as a board member for many years and as its President from 2014 to 2015.

Hsiung Chou

Vice President of AONSA