Nancy Ip
Nancy Ip | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nancy Chu Ip Yuk-yu Hong Kong |
| Other names | Nancy Y. Ip |
| Occupation(s) | Neuroscientist, university administrator |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Known for | Research on neurotrophic factors and Alzheimer's disease; President of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Nancy Chu Ip Yuk-yu (; academically known as Nancy Y. Ip) is a distinguished Hong Kong neuroscientist who has held the position of the 5th President at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) since 19 October 2022. Prior to her presidency, she fulfilled multiple roles at HKUST, including Vice-President for Research and Development, Morningside Professor of Life Science, and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience. Beginning in December 2022, Ip also serves as a Hong Kong delegate to the National People's Congress, having received the highest tally of votes (1254) from the 1273-member Electoral Committee responsible for selecting delegates.
Biography
Born in Hong Kong with familial roots in Taishan, Guangdong, Nancy Ip is the youngest among six siblings. She completed her secondary education at St. Mary's Canossian College.
She obtained her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Biology from Simmons College in 1977, followed by a PhD in pharmacology from Harvard University Medical School in 1983. Early in her professional journey, she worked as a Senior Staff Scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals located in New York.
Since her appointment at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 1993, Ip has held leadership positions such as Dean of Science, Director of the Biotechnology Research Institute, and Head of the Department of Biochemistry. Presently, she occupies the roles of Vice-President for Research and Development, Morningside Professor of Life Science, and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience.
Her election to eminent organizations includes membership in the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2001), The World Academy of Sciences (2004), US National Academy of Sciences (2015), Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (2015), American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2016), and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019).
In recognition of her contributions to understanding molecular mechanisms regulating growth, differentiation, and synapse formation within the nervous system, Ip was honored with the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science in 2004.
Research
Ip’s scientific investigations concentrate on neurotrophic factors—proteins essential for neuronal development, survival, and differentiation. Her recent studies have explored abnormal signaling through cell surface receptors, offering critical insights into Alzheimer's disease mechanisms and uncovering novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
Awards
- 1998 - Senior Research Fellowship, Croucher Foundation
- 2001 - Academician, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 2003 & 2011 - State Natural Science Award from the State Council of China
- 2004 - Fellow, The World Academy of Sciences
- 2004 - Recipient, L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science
- 2008 - Scientific and Technological Progress Prize, Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation
- 2008 - Medal of Honor awarded by Hong Kong SAR Government
- 2011 - Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite, France
- 2014 - Justice of Peace designation by Hong Kong SAR Government
- 2015 - Founding Member of The Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong
- 2016 - Foreign Associate status granted by US National Academy of Sciences
- 2016 - Foreign Honorary Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- 2016 - Recognized among China’s top ten science stars by Nature
- 2016 - Listed in Asian Scientist as one of Asian Scientist 100
- 2017 - Awarded Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) by Hong Kong SAR Government
- 2019 - Fellow at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences