HKU Celebrates the 14th Inauguration of Endowed Professorships: Strengthening Town-Gown Partnerships
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) conducted its Fourteenth Inauguration of Endowed Professorships, during which six new Endowed Professorships and four Outstanding Young Professorships were established. The ceremony also acknowledged twelve existing Endowed Professorships that received successive appointments.
Purpose of the Event
This event serves to honor the dedication and achievements of individuals in academia through the Endowed and Outstanding Young Professorships. The awards underline the contributions of both philanthropists and scholars, highlighting the collaboration between the university and the surrounding community.
Newly Established Endowed Professorships
Among the newly established Endowed Professorships is the David H Y Chang Professorship in Chinese History, awarded to Professor Guoqi Xu, who intends to advance HKU’s research focus on transnational history with backing from the Tigillus Foundation. Professor Guochun Zhao has received the Mok Sau-King Professorship, through which he will research the processes of early Earth formation. Additionally, Professor Hongjie Dai is set to lead the Sapientia Eminence Professorship, focusing on advancements in nanomedicine, with support from Mr. Vitor Cheung.
Support for Business School Professors
Several professorships funded by Dr. Zhang Yonghong will allow HKU Business School professors to amplify their research and community outreach, focusing on accounting, economics, strategy, and marketing, with Professors Pingyang Gao, Jin Li, and Echo Wan at the helm, respectively.
Outstanding Young Professorships
Outstanding Young Professorships were also granted. The Belinda Hung Outstanding Young Professorship was awarded to Professor Shirley Li, who plans to study the effects of sleep on health. Professor Benjamin Chen, who received the Gallant Ho Outstanding Young Professorship, will work to improve the accessibility of the legal system. Professor Hin Chu aims to further research on human coronaviruses, while Professor Gaowei Chen, who received the Tin Ka Ping Foundation Outstanding Young Professorship, will concentrate on enhancing AI-driven dialogues in the classroom.
Ceremony Highlights
The event was officiated by Dr. the Honourable Sir David Li Kwok-Po, Pro-Chancellor, and featured notable attendees, including HKU President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Xiang Zhang, along with various vice-presidents and faculty deans. The ceremony attracted an audience of over 200 guests.
Established Professorships at HKU
Since its inception in 2005, HKU has established more than 130 Endowed Professorships, recognized as significant acknowledgments for distinguished academics and their research pursuits. The Outstanding Young Professorships were introduced last year to foster the growth of early-career academic leaders.
Media Inquiries
For further media inquiries, please contact the Development & Alumni Affairs Office through Melody Tang at 3917 1747 or Kelly Lee at 3917 1739.
(Source: The University of Hong Kong)
