He was an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a renowned nuclear physicist and a Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, England.
He was a lecturer and professor of physics at Fudan, serving as President of the university from 1994 to 1999.
[citation needed] Yang was Director of the Shanghai Institute of Nuclear Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences from 1987 to 2001, was Chairman of the Shanghai Science and Technology Association (1992–1996), and he was the first president of the Association of University Presidents of China (1997–1999).
[citation needed] In 2004, Yang was one of the 3 prime movers behind the creation of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China – along with Sir Colin Campbell and Madame Xu Yafen.
He continued to hold the office of President at UNNC, presiding at Graduation Ceremonies and engaging closely with students who have followed Yang's original dream of moderating and reforming China's higher education circumstance.