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Two distinguished scholars at The University of Hong Kong (HKU)— Professor Michael HÄUSSER from the LKS Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) and Professor Xuhua HE from the Faculty of Science—were among five new members elected to the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences (ASHK) announced by the Academy on 11 December.

Professor Michael HÄUSSER is a renowned neuroscientist and Fellow of the Royal Society. He is currently the Director of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Chair Professor in Neuroscience and Lee Man-Chiu Professor in Neuroscience, and Interim Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering, HKUMed. Professor Häusser’s groundbreaking research has deepened the knowledge of how single neurons contribute to computation in the mammalian brain, particularly in information processing. His work combines experimental and theoretical approaches, employing advanced neurotechnologies—such as integrating two-photon imaging and optogenetics—to study neural circuits in the cerebellum and neocortex, alongside rigorous quantitative analysis and modelling.

“It is a great honour to be elected as a Member of the Academy. This recognition is a tribute to the outstanding work of all members of my group over many years. I am very grateful to be able to contribute to the vibrant scientific community in Hong Kong that continues to foster innovation and excellence. I am committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists in Hong Kong, as well as strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly at the interface of neuroscience, engineering and artificial intelligence.  Through mentorship and international partnerships, we can foster an environment where bold and exciting research thrives and where Hong Kong serves as a global hub for scientific innovation,” said Professor Häusser.

Professor Xuhua He, a distinguished mathematician, is currently Chair Professor in the Department of Mathematics, and President of the Hong Kong Mathematical Society. His research spans arithmetic geometry, algebraic groups, and representation theory, with particular contributions to the study of finite and affine Weyl groups and flag varieties. His innovative approaches and impactful applications in these areas have earned him wide recognition in the global mathematical community.

Over the course of his career, Professor He has received numerous prestigious honours. In 2023, he was named a Tencent New Cornerstone Investigator, and in 2020, he was awarded the Xplorer Prize in Mathematics and Physics. Earlier, in 2013, he received the renowned Morningside Gold Medal of Mathematics. In 2022, he became the first Hong Kong scholar to receive the American Mathematical Society’s Chevalley Prize in Lie Theory, a testament to the international significance of his contributions.

“Being elected as a Member of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences is both a deeply personal honour and a meaningful recognition of my team’s research endeavours. It also underscores HKU’s leading position in mathematics. I am confident that sustained encouragement and recognition will play a pivotal role in driving scientific discovery and achieving new breakthroughs. I look forward to continuing this journey of mathematical exploration alongside my colleagues, team members, and students, as together we push the boundaries of knowledge and venture into uncharted territory,” said Professor He.

For media enquiries, please contact:
LKS Faculty of Medicine email medmedia@hku.hk
HKU Faculty of Science (tel: 852-3917 4948/ 3917 5286; email: caseyto@hku.hk / cindycst@hku.hk )