The Morningside Professor of Life Science
Biography
Nancy Ip is the President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Morningside Professor of Life Science. 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 held the position of Senior Staff Scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. in New York. She joined HKUST in 1993 and served as Head of Biochemistry, Dean of Science, and Vice-President for Research and Development.
Ip is world-renowned for her significant contributions to the field of neuroscience. Her outstanding research has resulted in 334 scientific papers and 70 patents. She is an elected member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the US National Academy of Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, among other academies, and is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the National Natural Science Awards, the L’OREAL-UNESCO for Women in Science Award, and the 10 Science Stars of China by Nature.
In addition to conducting pioneering neuroscience research, Ip helps shape research policy on a global level. She is a member of various strategic initiatives such as the Leadership Group of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative. 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.
Areas of Responsibility
The President of HKUST is the chief executive and academic officer of the University, responsible for the overall direction and strategies of the University in advancing its mission and vision in education, research and impact on society. The president serves as a local, national and international ambassador for HKUST, also with dedicated development efforts for the University.