Prof. Nancy Y. Ip, SBS, BBS, MH, JP

President and The Morningside Professor of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Professor Nancy Ip is President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Morningside Professor of Life Science. She is the first woman to serve as president of a publicly funded university in Hong Kong. Since assuming the presidency in 2022, Professor Ip has led HKUST in advancing its strategic priorities across education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and global engagement, further strengthening the University’s position as a leading international institution.

An internationally renowned neuroscientist, Professor Ip has made pioneering contributions to elucidating the mechanisms underlying brain function and to developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Her scientific discoveries have significantly advanced neuroscience while driving translational innovation with significant societal impact.

Professor Ip’s outstanding research has resulted in more than 350 scientific papers and 144 granted patents. In recognition of her achievements, she has been elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the World Academy of Sciences, Academia Europea, and is also a founding member of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. She has also received numerous prestigious honours, including the National Natural Science Awards, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award, recognition by Nature as one of China’s “10 Science Stars,” and an honorary doctorate from the University of Strathclyde.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Professor Ip plays an influential role in shaping global dialogue on science, innovation, brain health, and precision medicine. She serves on the Leadership Group of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative and the World Dementia Council, and has contributed to several World Economic Forum councils focused on brain science and precision medicine. She also co-chairs the Steering Committee of the Association of East Asian Research Universities, fostering international collaboration in higher education, science, and innovation.

Professor Ip also plays an active role in advancing science and technology development in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. She currently serves on the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers and has championed global scientific cooperation through her leadership in establishing the Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians and the International Alliance of Academicians, where she serves as founding council chair and founding chair, respectively.

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