Hao Li from Zhejiang University Visits and Delivers an Academic Lecture

On March 13, 2026, Hao Li from Zhejiang University visited our university and delivered an engaging academic lecture to faculty and students.

Li received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wuhan University before pursuing doctoral studies at Northwestern University under the supervision of Sir J. Fraser Stoddart. He then carried out postdoctoral research in Jonathan Sessler’s group at The University of Texas at Austin. Since returning to China in 2015, he has been a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Zhejiang University. In 2024, he received the Cram Lehn Pedersen Award. His current research focuses on dynamic covalent self-assembly and supramolecular chemistry.

In his lecture, Li began with a systematic discussion of the Bohr effect in biological systems and outlined four key requirements for building artificial systems that can mimic this behavior. He then introduced a cage-like molecular system constructed from ureidopyridinium units. In its free state, the molecule does not possess an obvious cavity; once a guest enters, however, it adaptively forms a well-matched cavity and further exhibits pronounced positive cooperativity toward the binding of a second guest. This work not only deepens our understanding of the mechanism underlying the biological Bohr effect, but also offers a new strategy for constructing supramolecular cages with adaptive regulatory behavior.

The audience participated actively throughout the discussion session, raising thoughtful questions and engaging in in-depth exchanges. Li responded patiently and thoroughly, and the seminar concluded in a lively and stimulating academic atmosphere.

(Drafted by Xiujie Han, reviewed by Guanglu Wu)