Dennis Lo Yuk-ming has been nominated as the sole candidate to become the next president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The university's governing council is set to vote on his nomination on September 23, 2024. If approved, Lo will succeed Rocky Tuan, who resigned in January 2024 amid controversies stemming from the 2019 protests [dc415fa8].
Lo, a prominent molecular biologist, is renowned for his pioneering work in non-invasive prenatal testing, which boasts an accuracy rate of over 99%. He has been affiliated with CUHK for 27 years and holds multiple degrees from prestigious institutions, including Cambridge and Oxford. His election to the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2023 further solidifies his standing in the academic community [dc415fa8].
As he prepares for potential leadership, Lo's mission includes repairing CUHK's image and fostering relationships with mainland Chinese universities. This focus on collaboration is particularly relevant given that seven of the eight publicly funded universities in Hong Kong are currently led by scientists, reflecting a trend towards scientific leadership in higher education [dc415fa8].
The upcoming vote on Lo's nomination is being closely watched, as it represents a significant moment for CUHK following a period of turmoil and leadership changes. The university community is hopeful that Lo's appointment could lead to a renewed focus on academic excellence and stability in governance [dc415fa8].