Rising Star in Semiconductor Research: Jiang Jianfeng's Return to Peking University

Jiang Jianfeng, a 30-year-old semiconductor scientist, has made headlines for his swift rise in academia, becoming a doctoral supervisor just 18 months after earning his PhD. He completed his doctorate at Peking University in June 2024, where he was honored with the prestigious May Fourth Medal. Following a brief tenure as a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Jiang has returned to Peking University as a principal investigator, associate professor, and PhD supervisor.

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Jiang's research centers on two-dimensional indium selenide (InSe), a material that has the potential to disrupt the dominance of silicon in the semiconductor industry. His work aims to position China as a leader in chip technology, a sector of increasing strategic importance. In a July 2025 interview with DeepTech, Jiang reflected on his journey, stating, “Since my undergraduate graduation project, I have been engaged in InSe semiconductor research.” His academic path has spanned institutions from Shandong University to Peking University and MIT, underscoring his commitment to advancing semiconductor technology.

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Jiang's return to Peking University is significant for China's ambitions in the semiconductor field. The development of InSe could provide a competitive edge, enabling advancements that challenge the established silicon-based technologies. This shift is particularly crucial as nations worldwide seek to bolster their semiconductor capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities.

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Peking University has expressed pride in Jiang's achievements, highlighting his rapid progression as indicative of the institution's commitment to fostering innovative research. Jiang's work is seen as aligning with China's broader goals of technological self-sufficiency and leadership in high-tech industries.

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While Jiang's achievements are celebrated, some critics argue that the rapid pace of his ascent may reflect systemic issues within academia, such as the pressures to produce results quickly in a competitive environment. Concerns have been raised about the sustainability of such fast-tracked academic careers and the potential impact on research quality.

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• “Since my undergraduate graduation project, I have been engaged in InSe semiconductor research ,” — Jiang Jianfeng, Principal Investigator, Peking University.

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As Jiang embarks on his new role at Peking University, the academic community will be watching closely for developments in his research on InSe and its implications for the semiconductor industry. His work could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of chip technology in China and beyond.

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