Japanese Astronomical Society ex-president Shigeru Ida joins China’s Westlake University
Renowned theoretical astrophysicist Shigeru Ida has joined Westlake University in China as a distinguished fellow. Ida, a former president of the Astronomical Society of Japan, brings decades of expertise in planetary science and astrobiology to the institution.
Why it matters
The move highlights the ongoing trend of international academic talent migration to Chinese research institutions in the field of science.
The universe teems with planets, yet their origins and evolution remain among science’s most enduring mysteries.
Theoretical astrophysicist Shigeru Ida of the Institute of Science Tokyo has spent more than four decades in this field – and is now bringing his expertise to China.
Ida, a former president of the Astronomical Society of Japan, has led the Japanese Society for Origins of Life and Astrobiology since 2025, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential planetary scientists.
On July 3, Westlake University in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou announced that Ida had joined its school of science as a distinguished fellow in the Department of Astronomy, effective April.
In a 2023 address following his inauguration as president of the Astronomical Society of Japan, Ida recalled how his early fascination with the cosmos and speculative science would go on to shape the trajectory of his academic career.
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