Saw Wai Hla

Saw Wai Hla is a Professor of Physics at Ohio University and a physicist at Argonne National Laboratory. He is internationally recognised for his pioneering research in atomic- and molecular-scale manipulation on material surfaces and synchrotron X-ray studies of individual atoms.

His work focuses on understanding and controlling the nano- and quantum properties of materials, with particular emphasis on molecular machines and rare-earth molecular systems for advanced energy applications. His research explores how individual atoms and molecules can be manipulated and studied to develop new functional materials and nanoscale technologies.

In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to nanoscience, he received the 2024 Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology (Experiment). In the same year, his research was honoured with the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year 2024 in the Physical Sciences category.