In recognition of his exemplary contributions to environmental science, sustainability, and green technology, Prof. Alexis LAU, Head and Chair Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR), has been appointed as Tang Junyuan Professor of Environmental Science, effective January 1, 2025.

Prof. Lau has demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing environmental science throughout his career, successfully leading 96 research projects with over HK$230 million in funding as Principal Investigator. His work has been widely referenced in government policy documents, underscoring its influence on public policy. He helped spearhead the introduction of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in 2013, establishing Hong Kong as a leader in health-based air quality management. From 2015 to 2018, he led the first pan-Pearl River Delta PM2.5 study, a joint initiative by the governments of Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macao to advance regional collaboration and environmental management.

Building on AQHI’s innovative health-centred approach, Prof. Lau developed the PRAISE-HK project to provide personalized air quality and health risk assessments for the public. He also works with community groups like the Asthma Society and Red Cross to help vulnerable populations understand and follow the recommendations of the PRAISE-HK Smart App. Recognized by the government in the Clean Air Plan 2035 for its public health impact, PRAISE-HK also received the Gold Award at the Asia Smart App Award 2022/23. It was also featured in the China Environmental Grantmakers Alliance’s Climate Philanthropy Case Studies Report at COP29, highlighting its global impact on community-focused climate resilience solutions.

In addition to his research endeavours, Prof. Lau has been a pioneer in educational initiatives, playing a key role in establishing two regionally first-of-their-kind undergraduate programs at HKUST: the Environmental Management and Technology (EVMT) program and the Sustainable and Green Finance (SGFN) program. His dedication to providing hands-on experiences and cultivating a global perspective among students has resulted in high satisfaction rates and successful alumni, nurturing the next generation of environmental professionals to meet emerging needs.

Prof. Lau’s influence extends beyond academia and geographical boundaries, as evidenced by his service on various government committees and international organizations, including the Advisory Council on the Environment, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD). His leadership at the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals (HKIQEP) helped secure legislative recognition of its professional status, strengthening the role of environmental practitioners in Hong Kong, ensuring high standards, and providing a clear career path for future leaders in the field.

This named professorship underscores Prof. Lau’s positive impact on society through his research, educational initiatives, and professional services to address global environmental challenges and foster a sustainable future. These efforts align perfectly with the objectives of the professorship, made possible by a generous donation from the Shanghai Tang Junyuan Education Foundation.

Please join us in congratulating Prof. Lau on this esteemed professorship, the first at the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies!

More about Prof. Alexis LAU:
Prof. Alexis Lau is Head and Chair Professor of the Division of Environment and Sustainability, Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the Institute for the Environment at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Prof. Lau specializes in air quality and health exposure, weather and climate, and environmental policies, with recent focuses on climate adaptation and resilience, as well as shaping the transition to green finance based on climate science. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and is an expert in analysing large-scale geophysical datasets, numerical models, and in-situ and satellite remote sensing.

Locally, Prof. Lau has been a founding board member and chair of the Qualification Panel of HKIQEP since its inception in 2015, where he has played a critical role in establishing high standards for environmental practitioners. He currently serves as Vice-President of HKIQEP, continuing to guide its development and impact. He is also a fellow of the Hong Kong Meteorological Society, a founding member of the Hong Kong Climate Change Forum, and a scientific advisor to the Hong Kong Observatory. Additionally, he has served on numerous government committees, including the government’s Advisory Council for the Environment.

Internationally, Prof. Lau has been an expert member of the Environmentally Sustainable Transport Program of UNCRD since 2006, contributing to sustainable urban transport systems. More recently, he also leads the International Coordination Office for the Urban Prediction Project under the WMO’s World Weather Research Program, focusing on integrated urban prediction systems. He also leads the Southeast Asia Regional Hub of the MyClimate Risks initiative at HKUST for the WMO’s World Climate Research Program, supporting the development of tailored climate services for local and regional decision-making.