Professor Yong Tan has been reappointed as chair of the Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM) Department at the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
Tan, the Michael G. Foster Endowed Professor of Information Systems, is widely recognized as a leading voice in the field. He has been consistently ranked the No. 1 researcher by the Association for Information Systems, reflecting the global impact and influence of his work.
A member of the Foster faculty since 2000, Tan’s research explores how technology shapes markets and society, with a focus on artificial intelligence, big data, digital platforms, fintech, and the economics of information systems. His work has contributed to important conversations around online marketplaces and algorithmic behavior, with implications for both business strategy and public policy. A proud “Triple Dawg,” Tan earned his MS and two PhDs (Physics and Information Systems) from the University of Washington.
He has published more than 100 papers in top academic journals and advised over 30 doctoral students, helping to shape the next generation of scholars and industry leaders. In 2024, he received the INFORMS Information Systems Society President’s Service Award, one of the field’s highest honors. Tan is also a Distinguished Fellow of the INFORMS Information Systems Society and a member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences.
In addition to his research, Tan is a dedicated educator, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students, including in the Master of Science in Information Systems program.
At Foster, Tan has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (2018 and 2025) and the Andrew V. Smith Award for Excellence in Research (2016). He is also a six-time recipient of the school’s PhD Program Mentorship Award.
“It is an honor to continue working with Professor Tan as chair of the ISOM Department,” said Frank Hodge, Orin & Janet Smith Dean, Foster School of Business. “He has the rare ability to excel at leading a high-performing department while also remaining at the top of his field in research and teaching.”
The Foster School of Business congratulates Professor Tan on his reappointment and thanks him for his continued leadership, scholarship, and service to the school and the broader academic community.
To see how Yong Tan’s work comes to life, read more about recent research on how AI systems can shape pricing and competition in digital markets.