Professor YANG Wei was born in Beijing, China. He graduated from North-Western Technical University in December 1976, and received MS degree in Tsinghua University in April 1981, and Ph.D. degree in Brown University in USA in June 1985.

He is a Professor of Solid Mechanics. From May 1978 to August 2004 he successively worked in Tsinghua University as a faculty member and Chairman in the Department of Engineering Mechanics and Acting Dean of School of Aerospace. From 2004 to 2006, he served as Head of the Office of Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council in China. In August 2006, he was appointed President of Zhejiang University.

As a scientist, President YANG is a member of China’s Academy of Sciences and also a member of Third World Academy of Sciences. He has also served previously as Chairman of the Academic Committee of Tsinghua University and Head of the Department of Degree Management and Graduate Education of China’s Ministry of Education.