Movie and noodles may seem unlikely sources of inspiration for a world-renowned scientist, but for Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, the new Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), these small things are the catalysts that inspire him to create great inventions, leading to his groundbreaking work in non-invasive prenatal testing. In recent years, he has also applied this technology to early cancer diagnosis, changing the fate of countless individuals. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including becoming the first Hong Kong laureate of the Lasker-DeBakey Award.
Simplest moments spark the most profound discoveries
Professor Lo, known as the “Father of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing”, is globally renowned as a pioneer, innovator and leader in liquid biopsy. His research journey is filled with inspiration drawn from everyday life: when he was cooking instant noodles, watching them separate made him think of extracting DNA from the mother’s plasma in the same way, allowing him to prove that pregnant mother’s plasma contains the fetus’s DNA. While watching a Harry Potter film, the “H” in the logo reminded him of homologous chromosomes, leading him to realise that maternal and paternal halves of fetal inheritance needed to be analysed separately. This idea made it possible to map out the fetus’s entire genome from the mother’s plasma.
“Inspiration can come from various aspects of life, not just within the confines of a laboratory,” Professor Lo says. “My experiences have taught me to stay open to new ideas and perspectives.”
Leading CUHK with new perspectives
Professor Lo’s research background gives him a unique perspective as a university leader. In an interview with CUHK in Touch, he shared how, as the ninth Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, he plans to use his experience and new ideas to lead the University toward a future of innovation and excellence.
Some people might think that, as a top global scientist, Professor Lo would have a preference for scientific research in his new role. However, he believes that CUHK is a comprehensive research university that must put equal emphasis on humanities and sciences.
“One of CUHK’s strengths is its status as a comprehensive research university that values both humanities and sciences. I firmly believe that a university’s character is reflected in its humanistic spirit. Fairness will be my guiding principle. I will ensure that both areas receive equal emphasis, and encourage interdisciplinary research and collaboration.”
A balanced education can nurture whole-person development, while interdisciplinary collaboration forms the basis of a vibrant academic environment where creativity and excellence can thrive.
“Over the past 27 years at CUHK, I’ve gained experience and achieved academic success and international recognition. I feel it is the right time to apply this experience and my network to build a thriving ecosystem that looks toward future industries, allowing faculty and students greater room for development.”
People-focused leadership
“CUHK is like my second home. I remember walking through the campus for the first time and being stunned by its beauty. The calm surroundings and abundant flora were so different from the busy city life. It felt like the perfect place to think deeply and innovate,” Professor Lo says. This reflects his vision for CUHK – to make it a sanctuary for pursuing dreams and growth.
Staff, students and alumni are the University’s most valuable assets. “Positive student experiences are essential. Currently, CUHK has nine colleges. After I take the helm, I will explore the possibility of extending the collegiate system to postgraduate students, hoping to enhance their learning experience and foster their sense of belonging to CUHK, so they can become ambassadors for the University and share their unique experiences with people around the globe.”
“Expanding the alumni network can strengthen connections among them and ensure their involvement in CUHK’s development,” he adds.
Facing global competition, Professor Lo’s goals also include retaining and attracting top global talent. He believes that the University can take more proactive measures to recruit international scholars to join and increase the diversity of its community. “I will emphasise staff development. Promotion will be guided by equity and merit, and I will strive to cultivate talent in all disciplines.”
Planting seeds for tomorrow
With a distinguished history of more than 60 years, CUHK has earned its place among the world’s top universities, ranking 36th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 44th in the Times Higher Education Rankings. Professor Lo’s leadership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the University. His personal journey, passion for research and commitment to education herald a brighter future for CUHK.
“I hope that in a few decades, we will look back and see significant achievements from CUHK that have truly changed the world, with seeds planted under my leadership.”
Professor Dennis Lo’s major honours
- 2011 Fellow of Royal Society
- 2013 International Member, US National Academy of Sciences
- 2014 King Faisal International Prize in Medicine
- 2016 Future Science Prize in Life Science
- 2016-2020 Top 20 Translational Researchers, Nature Biotechnology
- 2021 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences
- 2021 Royal Medal – Biological Sciences
- 2022 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award
- 2023 Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 2023 Tengchong Science Award
- 2024 Jiménez Díaz Lecture Award
