ウェイシャン・シャオ Wei-Hsiang Shao

My name is Wei-Hsiang Shao (ウェイシャン シャオ). I completed my PhD in Physics in the String Theory Group at National Taiwan University in June 2025, and this postdoctoral position marks my first long-term research experience at an academic institute abroad.

My research interests lie in quantum gravity, with a particular focus on the nonperturbative aspects of string theory and their implications for our understanding of the universe. Much of our current framework relies on perturbative quantum gravity, which combines Einstein’s General Relativity with local quantum field theory into a low-energy effective theory valid on large scales compared to the Planck scale. While remarkably successful, this framework leaves many open questions—such as Hawking’s black hole information paradox, the origin of our universe, and the recent tensions in cosmological observations.

During my PhD, I worked with my supervisors to explore a new perspective on the quantum aspects of black holes by incorporating properties rooted in string theory. Our findings suggest that nonperturbative features of string theory may lead to qualitatively different outcomes for black hole evaporation than those predicted by standard low-energy effective theories. This line of study has inspired me to extend our top-down approach to other contexts, such as the early universe, in the hope of uncovering nonperturbative quantum gravity effects that could reshape the current cosmological model.

I am very excited to exchange ideas with colleagues here, to broaden my perspective by learning from experts across different areas, and to contribute to this vibrant research environment through my endeavors.