About the Hong
Kong Laureate
Forum
Welcome to the April 2025 issue of the newsletter of the Hong Kong Laureate Forum!
The Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 (Forum 2025) will be held with great prestige at the Hong Kong Science Park from 5 to 8 November this year. We are fully committed to meticulously preparing every detail to ensure an exceptional experience for all participants. It is our distinct privilege to announce that ten Shaw Laureates confirmed their attendance at Forum 2025, including (listed by discipline and most recent award year):
Astronomy
Matthew Bailes (2023)
Michael Perryman (2022)
Simon D M White (2017)
John A Peacock (2014)
Steven A Balbus (2013)
Life Science and Medicine
Eva Nogales (2023)
Kazutoshi Mori (2014)
Peter Walter (2014)
Mathematical Sciences
Nigel J Hitchin (2016)
George Lusztig (2014)
The Shaw Laureates will come to Hong Kong to share their innovative research and insights into the future of scientific advancement. They will also engage in cross-generational, cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary exchanges with the participating young scientists, fostering a vibrant discussion of ideas and perspectives. Seize the opportunity to engage in this thought-provoking forum and valuable networking event! Click here for comprehensive details about Forum 2025 and here to submit your application. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with world-renowned scientists and expand your horizons!
As a "Prelude to the Forum", the programme "The Beacons of Research Journey" was successfully held from 24 to 25 March. The two-day programme attracted over 100 participants, including postdocs, PhD graduates, postgraduates and undergraduates in science-related disciplines, as well as the HKLF Alumni – the young scientists and forum ambassadors who participated in the inaugural Forum. The programme featured seminars and panel discussions led by nine renowned scientists, legal professionals, and industry experts from various institutions and organisations. These guest speakers engaged in in-depth exchanges with participants on topics including trends in interdisciplinary research, innovative techniques, career transitions, research funding, team development, and intellectual property.
Prof Timothy Tong, SBS, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Council of Hong Kong Laureate Forum, delivered the welcoming remarks and expressed his pleasure in seeing early-career researchers engaged meaningfully with the keynote speakers during the programme and their scientific research journeys. He emphasised the importance of equipping young scientists with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their careers beyond their scientific research. Moreover, Ms Michelle Li, JP, Permanent Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, served as the guest of honour for the programme, in her remarks, she highlighted that collaboration and exchanges were key to advancing scientific research and innovation in Hong Kong.
Prof Rick Wong, Senior Advisor to the President and Vice-Chancellor and Chair Professor in Chemistry of Hong Kong Baptist University, and Mr Hendrick Sin, Chairman of China Prosperity Capital, were also the guests of honour for the second and third seminars respectively. Prof Rick Wong encouraged young scientists that the pursuit of knowledge was not just a personal endeavour, it was a collective effort that had the power to transform societies and improve lives. Mr Hendrick Sin stressed that intellectual protection (IP) was fundamental to innovative ideas, without IP, these ideas risked being lost, underutilised, or exploited without benefit to its creators.
During the programme, the keynote speakers not only shared their experience and visions, offering new perspectives to participants, but also encouraged them to stay open-minded, humble, and curious about everything around them. A number of participants remarked that the exchanges during the programme indeed had sparked inspiration, contributing to their planning of future research endeavours. Highlights of the programme will be uploaded to our photo gallery, video gallery and YouTube channel. Stay tuned!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the guest speakers for their tremendous support of this programme and their generous sharing during the seminars and panel discussions. They include:
- Prof Raymond Chan, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing of Lingnan University
- Prof Christopher Chao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Ms Jennifer Che, President and Managing Director of Eagle IP
- Prof Philip Chiu, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor of Robotic Surgery of The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Dr Ricky Chiu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phase Scientific International Limited
- Prof Dennis Lo, Vice-Chancellor and President, Li Ka Shing Professor of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Prof Anderson Shum, Vice-President (Research) and Chair Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering of City University of Hong Kong
- Prof Alice Wong, Associate Vice-President (Research), Interim Director and Chair Professor, School of Biological Sciences of Faculty of Science of The University of Hong Kong, and Member of Research Grants Council
- Mr Kelvin Wong, Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
At last, 14 May 2025 marks the momentous occasion of the HKLF's sixth anniversary! We extend our sincere appreciation to the individuals and organisations whose unwavering support has been instrumental to our work, as well as to every participant for their exuberant involvement in our events. Together, we look forward to unlocking the endless possibilities of science in the years ahead.
