Frank Zhao and Zhengguang Lu Win 2026 LOR Science Prize

Insider Brief

• Quantum Design Oxford has named Dr Frank Zhao of the University of Maryland and Dr Zhengguang Lu of Florida State University joint winners of the 2026 Lee Osheroff Richardson Science Prize.
• Zhao was recognised for research into unconventional superconductivity in layered crystals and twisted interfaces, while Lu was recognised for discoveries involving topological states and superconductivity in multilayer graphene.
• The winners will share a $15,000 cash prize and receive additional support to attend a global physics conference.

PRESS RELEASE — Quantum Design Oxford today announces that Dr Frank Zhao, Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, and Dr Zhengguang Lu, Assistant Professor of Physics at Florida State University and an affiliate of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, have been selected as joint winners of the 2026 Lee Osheroff Richardson (LOR) Science Prize.

In an exceptional year, the high number and quality of nominations led the selection committee to award two prizes, recognising both Dr Zhao and Dr Lu for their outstanding contributions to quantum materials research.

Dr Zhao is recognised for his contributions to unconventional superconductivity in layered crystals and their interfaces, including the discovery of emergent time-reversal symmetry breaking superconductivity at twisted cuprate interfaces and a new layered superconductor with one of the highest upper critical fields recorded.