Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, vice-chancellor and president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Medical Science by the University of Cambridge on Thursday — the first Hong Kong scientist to receive this distinction.
Lo expressed his gratitude for the honor, and said that receiving the degree at Cambridge — his alma mater — was deeply meaningful to him, as the prestigious university was where he began his journey as a clinician-scientist. “I am grateful to my research team and to the many pregnant women and cancer patients who participated in my clinical research for making the translation of research advances from the laboratory to the clinic possible,” Lo said.
He said that as vice-chancellor and president of CUHK, he is committed to advancing knowledge for societal benefit. “This recognition will further strengthen my resolve to chart a new path for CUHK’s strategic plan 2026-2030, which will deepen connections between cultures, foster enhanced international partnerships, and positions the university as a global hub for innovation and collaboration with enduring impact.”
He also said he hopes this recognition will inspire others to pursue their passions, adding that scientific breakthroughs are achieved through perseverance and learning.
Lo is renowned for having pioneered non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), based on his discovery of the existence of fetal DNA in maternal blood. The test, requiring only a blood sample from the mother-to-be, screens for genetic disorders like Down syndrome, and has been widely adopted worldwide. Recently, he has applied liquid biopsy technologies to develop a blood test for multiple cancer types, offering hope where it was once scarce.
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In an earlier exclusive interview with China Daily, Lo said that if he hadn’t returned to Hong Kong (in 1997 from the United Kingdom), he might not have been able to develop NIPT technology.
“Over the past 28 years in Hong Kong, I have felt that the environment for science and technology has been improving continuously,” said Lo, adding that this progress has increased his confidence and his desire to mentor the next generation.
Since joining CUHK in 1997 as a senior lecturer, Professor Lo has dedicated the last (almost) three decades to teaching and research. He became CUHK’s vice-chancellor and president in 2025, focusing on scientific research and interdisciplinary development. According to CUHK, the university under Lo’s leadership aims to enhance its global impact through initiatives like the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area collaborations and the Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab.
