Prof. Hao received BS degree from Tianjin University in China, MSc and PhD degree from the University of California at Berkeley, USA. He worked in UC Berkeley as a postdoctoral fellow, in Nanyang Technological University in Singapore as a lecturer, senior lecturer and associate professor, the University of Western Australia as a Winthrop professor before moving to Curtin University. He was the president of Australian Earthquake Engineering Society from 2010 to 2013, the president of International Association of Protective Structures from 2018 to 2023. He is a distinguished fellow of International Association of Protective Structures, fellow of Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering, fellow of American Society of Civil Engineers, fellow of International Association of Engineering Asset Management, and foreign member of Chinese Academy of Engineering. He has received over 60 research awards, including Nishino Medal in 2022 and Charles Bubb Medal in 2019.

Hao has made groundbreaking contributions to the advancement of knowledge and practice of Structural Dynamics. His results have been included in design codes and textbooks, and applied in engineering practice worldwide providing safe and robust civil infrastructure against natural and man-made dynamic loads. His strong international standing is evident, not only by the very high citations of his publications, but also by his leadership positions in professional committees and services to many government agencies and industrial organisations globally. He has led many international initiatives and has trained researchers and practitioners.