NYCU Congratulates Prof. M.C. Frank Chang on Receiving the 2025 John Fritz Medal

(中央社訊息服務20260224 14:11:36)National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) proudly congratulates Professor Mau-Chung Frank Chang, former President of National Chiao Tung University—now part of NYCU following its 2021 merger with National Yang-Ming University—and Distinguished Professor at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, on receiving the 2025 John Fritz Medal, widely regarded as one of the highest honors in the engineering profession.

Often regarded as the “Nobel Prize of Engineering,” the John Fritz Medal recognizes individuals whose scientific and technological achievements have delivered profound and lasting global impact. Professor Chang was honored for his pioneering contributions to high-speed semiconductor electronics, particularly his leadership in developing AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) and related BiFET technologies—innovations that became foundational to modern wireless communications.

Today, these technologies remain integral to radio-frequency power amplifiers used in billions of mobile devices worldwide, shaping the evolution of the global mobile communications era.

Professor Chang currently serves as the Wintek Chair and Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering at UCLA and is a member of multiple prestigious academies, including the U.S. National Academy of Engineering.

His career bridges academia, industry, and institutional leadership, exemplifying how advanced scientific research can translate into transformative industrial applications. Prior to joining UCLA, Chang led integrated-circuit technology development at Rockwell International’s Science Center, where his breakthroughs in heterojunction technologies redefined high-frequency semiconductor performance.

As President of National Chiao Tung University (2015–2019), Professor Chang led significant institutional reforms and played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s long-term strategic vision. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the historic merger between National Chiao Tung University and National Yang-Ming University, which in 2021 formed NYCU.

Chang’s recognition carries particular significance for Taiwan’s academic community. As a Taiwan-trained Ph.D. scholar who rose to global prominence in semiconductor innovation, his career reflects the international influence of Taiwan’s engineering education and research ecosystem.

Established in 1902, the John Fritz Medal honors outstanding achievement in pure or applied science and engineering. Past recipients include technological pioneers such as Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Orville Wright; semiconductor leaders Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore; and entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Professor Chang’s journey—from Taiwan to global leadership in semiconductor innovation—embodies a lifelong commitment to excellence, service, and advancing engineering for humanity.

NYCU extends its deepest congratulations to Professor Chang on this extraordinary recognition.