Sponsored by Canadian Light Source Inc., CIC Materials Chemistry Division and Western University, Department of Chemistry.
The Canadian Light Source T. K. Sham Award is presented to an individual who has made a distinguished contribution to materials chemistry both in terms of research and mentoring while working in Canada.
View the Terms Reference and list of Past Winners
The 2027 winner of the Canadian Light Source T. K. Sham Award in Materials Chemistry is:
Peng Zhang, MCIC
Dalhousie University
Professor Peng Zhang is an internationally recognized leader in materials chemistry and synchrotron science at Dalhousie University. Since joining Dalhousie in 2005, he has established a leading research program using synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy to reveal atomic-scale structure–property relationships and guide the design of functional nanomaterials for energy and biomedical applications. Trained under Professor T. K. Sham, Zhang has made significant contributions to atomically precise nanomaterials and single-atom alloy catalysts. His discoveries—including golden single-atom alloy catalysts exhibiting orders-of-magnitude improvements in catalytic performance—have advanced nanomaterial design for catalysis, bioimaging, and therapeutic applications. A dedicated user and advocate of the Canadian Light Source since its inception, Zhang was elected to the Canadian Institute for Synchrotron Radiation Board of Directors in 2025. His achievements include over 200 publications, more than 23,000 citations, and recognition as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher and Stanford/Elsevier Top-Cited Scientist. He has mentored approximately seventy highly qualified personnel, many now holding leadership roles in academia, government laboratories, and industry. His research achievements, national leadership, and commitment to mentorship exemplify the excellence recognized by the T. K. Sham Award.