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About
Dr. Ziheng Yang is a leading figure in computational biology and evolutionary genetics, renowned for developing the statistical frameworks that underpin modern molecular phylogenetics. His research centers on phylogenetic inference, molecular evolution, and the mechanisms of natural selection, with a particular focus on codon substitution models. Yang’s major contributions include pioneering the use of maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods for analyzing DNA and protein sequence data, most notably through his development of the PAML software package—a cornerstone tool used by thousands of researchers worldwide. His work on the “nearly neutral” theory of molecular evolution and the detection of positive selection via site-specific models has fundamentally shaped our understanding of adaptive evolution. With over 80,000 citations across his career, Yang’s impact is immense; his 2006 book *Computational Molecular Evolution* remains a definitive resource. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and has received numerous accolades, including the International Society for Computational Biology’s Senior Scientist Award. For students and researchers, Yang’s legacy is a masterclass in how rigorous mathematical modeling can unlock the secrets of life’s history.
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