By developing novel single-molecule methods to study biology at its most fundamental level, Professor Wayne Yang’s work at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) enables faster, more precise disease diagnostics, advances understanding of important biological processes such as cellular organization. 

This research supports next-generation biosensing materials that strengthen microbiological research and healthcare innovation across Saudi Arabia and around the world. 

“In the long run, I hope these platforms will serve as a bridge connecting students, researchers, and members of society, inspiring a renewed sense of curiosity about how biology works,” said Yang, the newly appointed assistant professor of bioengineering in KAUST’s Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division. He invents tools to close gaps in understanding biological machinery and to better study and detect diseases. 

Currently, Yang’s research focuses on proteins that form biomolecular condensates — structures that organize cellular reactions without membranes. 

His laboratory develops innovative, label-free biosensors that draw on physics and nanoscale engineering of materials to investigate these systems with greater accuracy while cultivating new collaborations and creating tools that advance the study of biomolecular condensates and other complex cellular processes. 

“I am excited to work with anyone driven by curiosity and a shared problem, whether right here in BESE or with external partners across Saudi Arabia and beyond.” 

The development of label-free, single-molecule biosensors is helping reveal how biological systems function from first principles, he added. Designed to study life at its smallest scale, these tools also strengthen disease research and diagnostics. Such interdisciplinary work depends on joint efforts within KAUST and with key stakeholders. 

Fortunately, Yang is well prepared for KAUST’s multicultural, collaborative environment. The Singaporean highlighted his international academic journey, which includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics from Canada’s McGill University, a Ph.D. in applied physics from TU Delft in the Netherlands, and postdoctoral research at Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, followed by an SNSF Ambizione fellowship that enabled him to establish his own junior group. 

Through the process, Yang said he had the great fortune to work with people from diverse nationalities and training backgrounds. “The most exciting breakthroughs happen at the intersection of one or more ‘traditional’ disciplines with people who hail from all nations and backgrounds.” 

Since arriving at KAUST, the new BESE faculty member said he has been inspired by the University’s mission-driven focus and the vast potential within the Kingdom still to be realized. 

With unique regional challenges in sensor development and many unexplored protein families, organisms, and diseases, Yang believes his team’s work can make a meaningful impact for the Kingdom and the planet. “I am very excited to be here, and my door is always open for impromptu discussions and spontaneous ideas.” 

He added: “I approach science much like my colleagues — collaboratively, creatively, and without borders. My research areas and outputs are a reflection of this, and I would like to keep it this way.”