On May 12, Prof. Albert S.C.Chan, Vice President (Research Development) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, gave a lecture on The Beauty of Science at UIC. HKBU and UIC President Ng Ching-Fai introduced the prominent chemist who has been named President & Vice-Chancellor designate of Hong Kong Baptist University.

Prof. Chan demonstrated the beauty of science with the example of chiral reagents for asymmetric synthesis, which was used in developing new medicine. He said the biggest gratification from doing scientific research was that the research outcome could be helpful to many people. He also shared his personal experience of collaboration with Nobel Prize winners. On catalyst and its working principles, he said, "China looks for new invention of catalysts because it is of great ndustrial and commercial significance." In response to the question of being successful as a scientist, he explained, "It's important to think bravely."

Come July, Prof. Chan will take on the post of President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU. He said he took the post with the expectation of helping more people to do scientific research. When asked whether HKBU will also play the role of "catalyst" in the integration of higher education between Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta, he said universities in the Pearl River Delta would be his primary consideration for collaboration, especially UIC. "UIC and HKBU are real brothers, not cousins...UIC has achieved significantly but need more facilities. We have to convince the local government to allocate more money to do research. I hope we can work together," said Prof. Chan.

Finally, he encouraged UIC students to think bravely and work hard. "Even though I am not a genius, I keep on thinking and working hard. I am not satisfied with my success yet, but I love science and have fun with it." He advised the students to think about "what is good for our country" when pursuing their career.

"The Beauty of Science" was part of the Distinguished Lectures Series planned for UIC's 5^th Anniversary Celebration.

Reporter: Micky Mai 
Photos and Editor: Richard Xu
Media and Public Relations Office