His current research interest focuses on applying modern geological theories and methods to tackle various geological problems, ranging from microscopic processes of mineral reactions during metamorphism to macroscopic processes of assembly and breakup of supercontinents in Earth’s history. Prof. Zhao’s major scientific findings include recognition of two Paleoproterozoic continent-continent collisional belts (Khondalite Belt and Trans-North China Orogen) in the North China Craton and global-scale 2.1-1.8 Ga continent-continent collisional events that led to the assembly of Paleo-Mesoproterozoic supercontinent Columbia (Nuna). Prof. Zhao is now the Editor of Precambrian Research.