(Upper row from left) Professor Tak Mak in molecular biology, Professor Alec Stone Sweet in law
(lower row) Professor Kwok-Yung Yuen in microbiology, Professor Xiang Zhang in physics and Professor Guochun Zhao in Earth science
Twelve distinguished scholars from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have been named among the top 100 global researchers in their respective disciplines by the international academic platform Research.com in its 2025 rankings. Among them, five professors are ranked first in Asia in their disciplines.
The five top-ranked professors in Asia are Professor Guochun Zhao in Earth science, Professor Alec Stone Sweet in law, Professor Kwok-Yung Yuen in microbiology, Professor Tak Mak in molecular biology, and HKU President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Xiang Zhang in physics.
The rankings are determined by a scientist's D-index (Discipline H-index), which solely considers publication and citation data within a specific discipline. This recognition highlights the exceptional calibre of HKU's faculty, whose pioneering research continues to shape the future of their respective fields. HKU's pursuit of excellence and its relentless drive to push the boundaries of knowledge provide a powerful engine for both the nation and Hong Kong to excel on the global stage.
The HKU professors listed among the best scientists in their fields are:
Chemistry
Professor Chi-Ming CHE (79th globally, 12th in China)
Zhou Guangzhao Professor in Natural Sciences and Chair Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
Earth Science
Professor Min SUN (20th globally, 5th in China)
Emeritus Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science Professor
Professor Guochun ZHAO (6th globally, 1st in Asia)
Mok Sau-King Professor and Chair Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science
Engineering and Technology
Professor Chuyang TANG (52nd globally, 9th in China)
Chair Professor of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Professor Peng GONG (65th globally, 4th in China)
Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development), Chair of Global Sustainability, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences and Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science
Law
Professor Alec STONE SWEET (72nd globally, 1st in Asia)
Chair of Comparative and International Law, Faculty of Law
Materials Science
Professor Hongjie DAI (17th globally, 9th in US and equivalent of 5th in China)
Sapientia Eminence Professor and Chair Professor, the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
J.G.Jackson-C.J. Wood Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus, Stanford University
Microbiology
Professor Kwok-Hung CHAN (92nd globally, 2nd in China)
Honorary Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Professor Kwok-Yung YUEN (7th globally, 1st in Asia)
Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases and Chair of Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Molecular Biology
Professor Tak MAK (9th globally, 1st in Canada and equivalent of 1st in Asia)
Honorary Professor, Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics and Immunology, University of Toronto
Physics
Professor Xiang ZHANG (48th globally, 1st in Asia)
President and Vice-Chancellor; Chair of Physics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science
Social Sciences and Humanities
Professor Paul S. F. YIP (49th globally, 1st in China)
Director, HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention; Chair Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration; Associate Dean (Knowledge Exchange and Development), Faculty of Social Sciences
