Prof. Nancy Ip  President, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Nancy Ip is the President of HKUST. Taking office in October 2022, she is the first female president of a publicly funded university in Hong Kong.

Ip received her PhD degree in Pharmacology from Harvard University, after which she served as a Senior Staff Scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. She joined HKUST in 1993 and has held several key positions, including Vice-President for Research and Development and Dean of Science. 

Ip is internationally recognized for her significant contributions to neuroscience. Her outstanding research has resulted in 349 scientific papers and holds 99 patents. She has been elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the US National Academy of Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, among other academies, and has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Natural Science Awards, the L’OREAL-UNESCO for Women in Science Award, and being named as one of the 10 Science Stars of China by Nature. 

In addition to her pioneering research in neuroscience, Ip plays a significant role in shaping research policy on a global level. She is a member of various strategic initiatives, including the Leadership Group of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative and the World Dementia Council. She also actively serves on local committees, such as the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers, to help steer the strategic development of Hong Kong.