India-born US citizen drives research into light at sanctioned Chinese school

Arup Neogi, an India-born scientist who now holds US citizenship, is driving research at a university sanctioned by the United States. The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) in Chengdu, a leading electronics and communication program, has been on the US "Entity List" since 2012 due to alleged proxy activities for the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, which faced sanctions related to its nuclear program.

Despite this, Neogi, who earned his first doctorate in India and his second in Japan before working in the US for two decades, has collaborated with UESTC since 2014 and now serves as a full-time faculty member.

His specialty lies in photonics, the study of light generation, control, and detection. At UESTC, Neogi leads a team focused on photonic chips and nanophotonics, with an emerging interest in manipulating sound using light for deep-sea communications and ultrasound imaging. His groundbreaking work on developing an acoustic diode for underwater sound wave control at UESTC earned him the China Government Friendship Award in 2024, the highest honor for foreign experts contributing to China's development.

Beyond his scientific pursuits, Neogi has been instrumental in fostering China's optical expertise. He has helped UESTC recruit overseas researchers and supported Chinese students applying for international studies, as well as Chinese teachers pursuing global programs and conferences. Recently, he attended a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, where President Xi Jinping addressed the gathering.

Neogi's contributions have been vital in bridging scientific perspectives and overcoming global challenges, such as climate change, through international cooperation.