Cao Xiangkun, an alumnus of the Qian Xuesen experimental class enrolled in Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2013, was recently awarded a German Chancellor Fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Cao is dedicated to researching solar energy and artificial photosynthesis, and uses carbon technologies to convert greenhouse carbon emissions into solar fuels, a step in realization of carbon neutrality.

Cao studied at Xi’an Jiaotong University from 2009 to 2013 under the guidance of academician He Yalin, Professor Bai Bofeng and Professor Du Lixia, gaining a bachelor of engineering degree in energy dynamics and a Bachelor of Arts in English literature.

The German Chancellor Fellowship is given on behalf of the German Chancellor to 10 young talents each year with potential for future leadership from China, the United States, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa. It subsidizes them as they research optional projects in Germany.