Renowned neuroscientist Nancy Ip set to become Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s next president as council chairman confirms appointment to be discussed on Friday

Renowned neuroscientist Professor Nancy Ip Yuk-yu is set to become the next president of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), with the chairman of its governing council confirming her appointment will be discussed on Friday.

If appointed, Ip will become the first woman to head a public university in Hong Kong.

The Post last Friday reported that Ip, a top Alzheimer’s disease expert, was recommended by a university search committee to be the next leader, replacing incumbent Professor Wei Shyy when he steps down in October.

In a letter to students, colleagues and alumni, Andrew Liao Cheung-sing, council chairman at HKUST, confirmed Ip was recommended as the next president by the search committee and that the governing body was scheduled to meet on Friday afternoon to consider the recommendation.

“Subject to council’s approval of the appointment, the president-designate will be introduced to the media in the afternoon on the same day,” Liao said.

The appointed president will attend an online webinar to interact with staff, students and alumni before meeting the press, according to the letter.