About
Prof. Jize Yan, an expert in Sensor Technology and Microsystems at the University of Southampton, holds a BEng from Tsinghua University and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. As a PI and co-I, he's been awarded over £28M in research grants, published more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, and received multiple best-paper awards. He leads a research team of over 20 PhD students and Post-Docs, working with industry leaders to solve critical metrology challenges in health care, space observatory, infrastructure safety and quantum technology.
Jize's pioneering research has set world records, driving innovations in areas such as meta-lenses, vortex-beam sensors, distributed fiber optic sensors, MEMS and optomechanical sensors, wireless sensor networks, energy harvesting, and cleanroom fabrication. His theoretical research interests, which bridges theory and practical applications, includes work on classically entangled light, optical hyper-entanglement, holographic duality, fisher information flow and optical computing.
With more than 10 patents, Jize co-founded several spin-out companies (8power, Wisen, Traco) and facilitated technology transfer for companies like Silicon Microgravity, NXP Semiconductors, and Cementation Skanska, generating over £16M in income. He has been invited to serve on venture capital panels, evaluating more than 30 startup proposals.
At the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, he initiated and coordinates the Quantum@FEPS events, bringing together academics with an interest in quantum technologies to shape a cohesive quantum strategy for Southampton. At the School of Electronics and Computer Science, he enhanced the internal grant review process, serves as EEE Impact Champion for REF2029, and mentors commercialization initiatives. He is also an Associate Editor for five international journals and a member of the EPSRC Review College.
In education, Jize works with leading AI education enterprises to advance AI technologies and shape future AI education standards. His commitment to his team’s development has resulted in rapid career progression for his students—some have achieved full professorships at esteemed universities at an early age, while others secured tenure-track positions at prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley and EPFL. One student was even knighted. His former students have also founded successful spin-off companies, with one gaining a significant share of the UK market. Jize is always open to PhD and fellowship applicants and is dedicated to helping candidates secure academic positions or achieve their career aspirations.