Celebrating exceptional contributions to knowledge and society, PolyU’s 30th Congregation honoured Nobel Laureate Professor Bernard L. Feringa and PolyU Deputy Council Chairman Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang with honorary doctorates. Presided over by PolyU Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai and President Professor Jin-Guang Teng, the ceremony also saw 237 graduates receiving their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.

Prof. Bernard L. Feringa joined the ceremony online to receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.

Nobel Laureate honoured for molecular innovation

Professor Bernard L. Feringa, 2016 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, received the Doctor of Science honoris causa online. As a Jacobus H. van’t Hoff Distinguished Professor of Molecular Sciences at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Professor Feringa is renowned for pioneering molecular engines and their innovative applications in modern science.

His groundbreaking research on light-responsive molecular motors has advanced important applications for nanotechnology, particularly in drug delivery, materials science and energy storage. Notably, he developed rotary molecular motors powered by light and heat, sharing the Nobel Prize with two other distinguished scientists for these remarkable achievements in molecular machinery. He is a distinguished member of multiple prestigious academies, including the US National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of London, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a Member of the European Research Council, reflecting his significant contributions to global scientific advancement.

Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science.

Honoured for guiding PolyU to excellence

Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-chang, Deputy Council Chairman of PolyU who has been deeply involved with the PolyU Council for many years, received the Doctor of Social Science honoris causa. During his 14-year tenure, Dr Li has prioritised academic excellence and research innovation by effectively strategising policy and leveraging financial resources to achieve optimal outcomes. Under his leadership, PolyU has emerged at the forefront of cutting-edge research and knowledge transfer, laying a solid foundation for the University’s long-term success and impact.

As a renowned Specialist in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, he contributes to the advancement of education in the field as a Clinical Associate Professor (Honorary) in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Additionally, he is a passionate advocate for public welfare, playing vital roles in various government organisations and professional bodies, driving meaningful change in society.

An honorary doctorate is the highest accolade the University bestows, recognising an individual’s significant contributions to society and groundbreaking work in their respective fields. This year, the University is conferring academic awards to 10,819 students, including 412 PhD graduates, 196 professional doctoral graduates, 40 MPhil graduates, 5,752 taught master’s graduates, 4,302 bachelor’s graduates, 30 postgraduate diploma recipients, and 87 sub-degree award recipients.