The Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Summit Forum 2026 was held on 12 June at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) under the theme “Life Sciences and AI × Research.” The forum was organized by the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation, co-organized by the Beijing–Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre and co-hosted by HKUST. It brought together leading experts to explore frontier developments in scientific research and interdisciplinary innovation.
HKUST Vice-President Prof. Charles Ng welcomed participants, noting that the Foundation has long upheld a fair and rigorous mechanism to recognize outstanding scientific talent, thereby contributing significantly to national technological advancement. He emphasized that the forum’s theme, “Life Sciences and AI × Research,” closely aligns with HKUST’s longstanding interdisciplinary strategy and key research priorities. Over the past 35 years, HKUST has upheld its spirit of innovation, being a home for dreamers, doers and disciples of the impossible — a place Where Miracles Happen — while aligning with national strategies, connecting with global frontiers, and serving the country’s innovation-driven development. He hoped that more Hong Kong researchers will leverage this platform in the future to showcase the strength and global impact of Hong Kong’s scientific research.
President of the Beijing–Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, Mr. Xu Haishan, remarked that Hong Kong has achieved remarkable scientific advancements in recent years. In addition to its traditional strengths in medicine, electronics, and computer science, the city has also made significant progress in emerging fields such as aerospace engineering, reflecting strong national recognition of Hong Kong’s research capabilities. He highlighted that these achievements are the result of long-term dedication within Hong Kong’s scientific community, with the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation playing a vital and enabling role throughout this journey.
Chief Representative of the Beijing Office (Hong Kong) of the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation and Secretary-General of its Selection Committee, Prof. Duan Ruichun, provided an overview of the Foundation’s development since its establishment in 1994, as well as its three major award categories: the Achievement Award, the Advancement Award, and the Innovation Award.
In the keynote session, distinguished speakers shared cutting-edge insights: Academician Qiao Jie discussed developments in reproductive medicine and the challenges posed by population trends; Prof. Fang Lu introduced photonic computing integrated with artificial intelligence and the “Taichi” optical chip; Prof. Yu Jun explained advances in gut microbiota and gastrointestinal cancer research; and Prof. Chai Yang explored edge AI and bio-inspired sensing technologies. The forum highlighted the tremendous potential of integrating life sciences with artificial intelligence and fostered deeper collaboration in scientific research and innovation.
