From 2026.09
Assistant Professor
Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications (BIMSA)
Theoretical Physics · String Theory
Hao Y. Zhang张昊
I am a theoretical physicist working on string theory and quantum field theory, focusing on their (generalized) symmetries, anomalies, and other geometric / topological aspects.
Current
Assistant Professor, Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications (BIMSA)
From 2026.09
Postdoc
Postdoctoral Fellow, Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU), University of Tokyo
2023.10 — 2026.08
BIMSA
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Curriculum Vitae
Academic appointments and education.
2023.10 — 2026.08
Postdoctoral Fellow
Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, University of Tokyo
2018.08 — 2023.08
Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy
University of Pennsylvania · Advisor: Mirjam Cvetič · Co-advisor: Jonathan J. Heckman
2014.09 — 2018.07
B.S. in Physics
School of Physics, Peking University
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Research
Selected themes and recent publications.
Symmetries, anomalies, and non-perturbative string theory.
Research overview →Type I anomaly cancellation revisited
Saghar S. Hosseini, Yuji Tachikawa, Hao Y. Zhang
arXiv:2505.07933 · Commun. Math. Phys. 407 (2026) 191
von Neumann Subfactors and Non-invertible Symmetries
Xingyang Yu, Hao Y. Zhang
arXiv:2504.05374 · SciPost Phys. 19 (2025) 154
On a ℤ₃-valued discrete topological term in 10d heterotic string theories
Yuji Tachikawa, Hao Y. Zhang
arXiv:2403.08861 · SciPost Phys. 17 (2024) 077
On a class of selection rules without group actions in field theory and string theory
Justin Kaidi, Yuji Tachikawa, Hao Y. Zhang
arXiv:2402.00105 · SciPost Phys. 17 (2024) 169
Intermediate Defect Groups, Polarization Pairs, and Non-invertible Duality Defects
Craig Lawrie, Xingyang Yu, Hao Y. Zhang
arXiv:2306.11783 · Phys. Rev. D 109 (2024) 026005
The Branes Behind Generalized Symmetry Operators
Jonathan J. Heckman, Max Hübner, Ethan Torres, Hao Y. Zhang
arXiv:2209.03343 · Fortsch. Phys. 71 (2023) 2200180
One Loop to Rule Them All: Eight and Nine Dimensional String Vacua from Junctions
Mirjam Cvetič, Markus Dierigl, Ling Lin, Hao Y. Zhang
arXiv:2203.03644 · Phys. Rev. D 106 (2022) 026007
Higher Symmetries of 5d Orbifold SCFTs
Michele Del Zotto, Jonathan J. Heckman, Shani Nadir Meynet, Robert Moscrop, Hao Y. Zhang
arXiv:2201.08372 · Phys. Rev. D 106 (2022) 046010
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Teaching
Teaching assistantships and recitation instruction.
I have extensive experience as a teaching assistant at the University of Pennsylvania and Peking University, supporting a wide range of mathematics and physics courses, including quantum field theory, elementary particle physics, electromagnetism, mechanics, linear algebra, multivariable calculus, and computational physics. My responsibilities have included leading recitations, helping students, and grading.
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Contact
For research correspondence and academic inquiries.
Office
Room A13-103, BIMSA
Address
Room A13-103, 544 Hefangkou Village, Huaibei Town, Huairou District, Beijing, 101408, China
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Recent talks
Selected conference and seminar presentations.
Anomaly Cancellation in Type I String via Differential KO Theory
Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
7th Peng Huanwu Young Scientists’ Forum on Theoretical Physics and Interdisciplinary Studies
Non-Invertible Selection Rules in String Theory and Field Theory
Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Seminar
School of Physics, Peking University
Generalized symmetries in HEP and CMP
Gauging non-invertible symmetries in 2D CFTs and von Neumann algebra
Kavli Institute for Theoretical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Seminar
11D Bulk Construction of RR Fields in Type I String Theory
School of Physics, Peking University
Theoretical Physics Seminar
Day to be confirmed
Z₃-valued Theta Angle in 10D Heterotic Strings
Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES)
IHES Summer School: Symmetries and Anomalies — a Modern Take
Day to be confirmed
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