A legacy of innovation, a vision for tomorrow
CUHK welcomes its ninth Vice-Chancellor
28 May 2025
On 20 May, more than 700 guests filled the Sir Run Run Shaw Hall at CUHK. Faculty, students, alumni and distinguished guests, including representatives from academic institutions across Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas, gathered to witness a historic moment: the installation of Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming as CUHK’s ninth Vice-Chancellor and President.
During the ceremony, Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Chairman of the CUHK Council, formally presented Professor Lo with the Ordinance of CUHK and the Seal of the Vice-Chancellorship. Beyond the ceremonial rites, the event was a celebration of legacy, vision and the promise of a new era.
A life in science, a career at CUHK
Born in the same year CUHK was founded, Professor Lo was introduced in English by Professor Nick Rawlins, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Student Experience), and in Chinese by Professor Ho Che-wah, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Chinese Language and Literature. Both speakers painted a portrait of an Hong Kong-born academic whose scientific brilliance is matched by humility and a deep sense of purpose.
Professor Rawlins traced Professor Lo’s academic path from Cambridge – where a photograph of DNA pioneers Francis Crick and James Watson inspired him to pursue medicine – to Oxford, where he encountered the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and co-authored a seminal Lancet paper on PCR contamination. It was at CUHK, however, that Lo made his most groundbreaking discovery: the presence of fetal DNA in maternal blood, which laid the foundation for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). His later work expanded into transplant rejection and multi-cancer early detection (MCED), which Professor Rawlins described as “the Holy Grail for oncology”.
“This is not just a metaphor for a University leader,” said Professor Rawlins. “It is the work of a forward-looking, creative, constructive and problem-solving mind – and a mind attuned to the workings of three collegiate universities, two in the form of Oxford and Cambridge, and the third one being our very own CUHK.”
In addition to describing Professor Lo’s illustrious career, which has featured numerous accolades, Professor Ho offered a personal glimpse into Professor Lo’s character, highlighting his passion for photography and his long-standing connection to CUHK. Professor Lo has spent 28 years at the University, contributing to its academic and research endeavours. “One of the reasons I chose to join CUHK back then was its natural beauty,” he said. “It is a friendly environment where some of the greatest minds are nurtured.”
Professor Ho said he was confident that the new Vice-Chancellor will lead with wisdom and bring CUHK to new heights with his forward-looking vision, remarkable scientific achievements, experience and new ideas. “After CUHK concluded its diamond jubilee celebrations, a new chapter is unfolding,” he said. “Professor Lo’s leadership will guide the university community forward to advance its legacy of excellence and innovation.”
A vision for the future
In his installation address, Professor Lo expressed deep gratitude to the CUHK community for its support throughout his career and for entrusting him with this new role. He paid tribute to the previous eight CUHK Vice-Chancellors for laying the solid foundations of the University, adding that he was especially pleased to see several of them in the audience.
Describing CUHK as “my home away from home”, Professor Lo emphasised the University’s unique mission of combining tradition with modernity and serving as a bridge between China and the West. “I am continuously inspired by its community of outstanding scholars, innovators and students.”
He recounted how Hong Kong’s growing investment in innovation and technology has supported the realisation of his scientific vision, as well as discussing CUHK’s growing presence in the Greater Bay Area, including the establishment of the Shenzhen Research Institute in 2007 and CUHK (Shenzhen) in 2014 under the “one brand, two campuses” model.
Professor Lo also announced the development of CUHK’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which will focus on enhancing students’ educational experience, launching the University’s first graduate college, promoting internationalisation and strengthening alumni engagement. He encouraged the younger generation to pursue their dreams with courage, move forward with resolve and strive to realise their aspirations with optimism and determination.
“I stand ready to chart a bold path forward for the University, working closely with our stakeholders to craft a visionary roadmap that further strengthens CUHK’s position as a beacon of excellence and a driver of positive change,” he said. “I sincerely call for your earnest support and active participation in this journey towards a shared and brighter future for all.”
The installation of Professor Lo marks a reaffirmation of CUHK’s values and aspirations. With a legacy rooted in scientific discovery and a vision shaped by global experience, he is poised to lead CUHK into a new era – one defined by innovation and impact.
By Eva Choy
