Shu-Heng Shao

Assistant Professor of Physics
Focuses on generalizing the symmetry principle in quantum field theories and lattice models, with applications in HEP, CMT, and quantum gravity.
Research Areas
High Energy and Particle Theory, Condensed Matter Theory, Quantum Gravity and Field Theory
headshot of Shu-Heng Shao, Assistant Professor of Physics
(617) 253-6263
Office: 6-416A
Affiliated Center(s): Center for Theoretical Physics

Research Interests

Shu-Heng Shao explores the structural aspects of quantum field theories and lattice systems. Recently, his research has centered on generalized symmetries and anomalies, with a particular focus on a novel type of symmetry without an inverse, referred to as non-invertible symmetries. These new symmetries have been identified in various quantum systems, including the Ising model, Yang-Mills theories, lattice gauge theories, and the Standard Model. They lead to new constraints on renormalization group flows, new conservation laws, and new organizing principles in classifying phases of quantum matter.

Biographical Sketch

Shu-Heng Shao was born and raised in Taiwan. He obtained his B.S. in physics from National Taiwan University in 2010, and his Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University in 2016, under the direction of Prof. Xi Yin. He was then a 5-year long-term member at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton before he moved to the Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics at Stony Brook University as an assistant professor in 2021. In 2024, he joined the MIT faculty.

Awards & Honors

  • 2023 // Simons Collaboration on Ultra-Quantum Matter
  • 2023 // Frontiers of Science Award
  • 2021 // National Science Foundation Award
  • 2017 // New World Mathematics Award

Key Publications

  • Yichul Choi, Matthew Forslund, Ho Tat Lam, Shu-Heng Shao, “Quantization of Axion-Gauge Couplings and Noninvertible Higher Symmetries”, Phys.Rev.Lett 132 (2024) 12, 121601

  • Nathan Seiberg, Shu-Heng Shao, “Majorana chain and Ising model — (non-invertible) translations, anomalies, and emanant symmetries”, SciPost Phys. 16 (2024) 064

  • Yichul Choi, Ho Tat Lam, Shu-Heng Shao, “Noninvertible Global Symmetries in the Standard Model”, Phys.Rev.Lett. 129 (2022) 16, 161601

  • Konstantinos Roumpedakis, Sahand Seifnashri, Shu-Heng Shao, “Higher Gauging and Non-invertible Condensation Defects”, Commun.Math.Phys 401 (2023) 3, 3043-3107

  • Chi-Ming Chang, Ying-Hsuan Lin, Shu-Heng Shao, Yifan Wang, Xi Yin, “Topological Defect Lines and Renormalization Group Flows in Two Dimensions”, JHEP 01 (2019) 026

All Publications