The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is set to establish the third medical school in Hong Kong. Nancy Ip, the President of HKUST, said that the medical school team has taken shape. Currently, six clinical professors have joined the team. Professor Ip is very confident in recruiting high-quality teaching talents and will conduct global recruitment. In her eyes, the founding dean of the medical school should have rich experience in managing hospitals and medical education with a thorough understanding of both the Mainland and Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Photo source: online image
Professor Ip emphasized that the university will fully provide financial support for the development of the medical school, with an estimated investment of over 7 billion HKD in the next 25 years. HKUST will also confer with the government and the Hospital Authority about the relevant details of the possible cooperation with other teaching hospitals before the establishment of the medical school campus in Ngau Tam Mei.
As for the background of students admitted to the medical school, Professor Ip said that students would have a background in biological sciences initially. As the school continues to develop, it would be possible to admit students from other fields, such as those with a background in artificial intelligence. When asked if there would be new first degree programs in addition to second degree, Professor Ip said that, considering the high quality of the two existing medical schools in Hong Kong with the focus on first degree education. The development orientation of the HKUST's medical school would be clear.
When asked whether the students of the medical school would intern in the Greater Bay Area, Professor Ip said that, since the university has cooperative relationships with different hospitals in the Greater Bay Area, students will have opportunities to intern in different hospitals and visit other hospitals around the world for knowledge exchange. She emphasized that HKUST would develop an excellent curriculum design and provide the best learning opportunities to students to explore the integration of technology and medicine.
Nancy Ip, the President of HKUST, Photo source: Reference image
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) hosted "Nobel Heroes@HKUST", a special forum featuring four Nobel Laureates who engaged in close interactions with over 400 students, faculty members, and public guests on January 13th. Held as highlight of HKUST's 35th anniversary celebrations, the event underscored the University's dedication to bridging world-renowned scholars with the local community and reinforcing its role as a leading hub for knowledge and talent development.
A group photo of the four Nobel Laureates Prof. Tim HUNT (fifth right), Prof. Louis J. IGNARRO (forth right), Prof. Robert C. MERTON (sixth left), Prof. Konstantin NOVOSELOV (fifth left), HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP (sixth right), HKUST senior management and our esteemed guests. Photo source: HKUST
The Nobel Laureates—honored in Physiology or Medicine, Economic Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics—shared their personal research journeys and insights into the boundless world of scientific discovery. Moderated by HKUST Council Member and Adjunct Professor of the Department of Management, Prof. Poman LO, the forum included vibrant Q&A sessions that explored pressing global challenges and the future of innovation. The distinguish Nobel Laureates were:
Prof. Tim HUNT (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2001), recognized for discoveries of key regulators of the cell cycle;
Prof. Louis J. IGNARRO (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1998), honored for revealing the role of nitric oxide as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system;
Prof. Robert C. MERTON (Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 1997), acclaimed for developing a new method to determine the value of derivatives
Prof. Konstantin NOVOSELOV (Nobel Prize in Physics 2010), distinguished for groundbreaking experiments on the two-dimensional material graphene.
Prof. Hunt shared the journey of his team's discovery of the cell cycle regulator, noting that it was initially deemed "theoretically impossible" by the academic community. However, through years of persistent research and repeated verification, they ultimately succeeded in confirming the existence and function of this factor. He emphasized that researchers should focus on exploring fundamental scientific questions with significant impact, rather than being constrained by their immediate practical applications.
Prof. Ignarro recalled how an accidental observation of a postdoctoral researcher's cigarette smoke inspired him to reveal the property of nitric oxide in dilating arteries. He emphasized the importance of curiosity in scientific research and encouraged researchers to embrace innovative thinking and forge their own paths. He also encouraged young researchers to uphold a never-give-up spirit. Drawing on his personal experiences in sports such as baseball, he stressed that the key to success lies in “playing to win,” not merely seeking enjoyment.
Prof. Merton inspired the audience with an analogy from the investment world: risk and return are inseparable—the greater the risk undertaken, the higher the potential return. He emphasized that to pursue more promising opportunities, one must be prepared to accept a corresponding increase in uncertainty.
Prof. Novoselov pointed out that research work should be grounded in genuine passion and curiosity, rather than chasing fleeting trends that lack long-term value. He advised researchers to choose fields that can consistently ignite their enthusiasm for inquiry, avoiding the pitfall of giving up midway due to a mere whim.
HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP extended her heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished Nobel Laureates and the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings for this exceptional partnership, which meaningfully coincides with HKUST's 35th‑anniversary celebrations. She remarked, "Education is not a one-way transmission of facts; it is a vibrant dialogue that stretches the imagination and reshapes assumptions. Today's dialogue is not just an opportunity to meet these esteemed scientists; it is a chance to engage with the very essence of scientific inquiry and discovery. The journeys of our Nobel Laureates exemplify the spirit of curiosity, creativity, innovation, and resilience that we strive to nurture at HKUST. Their achievements demonstrate that science knows no boundaries and that collaboration across disciplines and borders is essential for addressing the challenges we face."
Co-organized by HKUST, Laureates City Holdings Limited, Red Carpet Investments Limited, and Sunwah Kingsway Capital Holdings Limited, and proudly supported by the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, this event underscores Hong Kong's growing stature as a global hub for innovation, technology, and academic exchange.
Moderated by HKUST Council Member and Adjunct Professor of the Department of Management, Prof. Poman LO (first right), the Nobel laureates engage in an interactive Q&A session with participants. Photo source: HKUST
