Biography
Professor Zhong Nanshan, an academician of The Chinese Academy of Engineering, graduated from the Peking University Health Science Center in 1960 and went to the University of Edinburgh and the University of London for further studies and research. Upon returning to China, he mainly engaged in clinical, teaching and scientific research on respiratory diseases. He is now a Professor of Internal Medicine at Guangzhou Medical University, the Director of the Guangzhou Laboratory, the Director of the National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, the Head of the Senior Expert Group of the National Health Commission, and a member of the World Health Organization's Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Preparedness and Response.
A world-renowned expert in combating epidemics and an exceptional leading scientist, Professor Zhong spearheaded the battle against the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. He has presided over the 973 programme, 863 programme, the 10th, 11th and 12th 5-Year Plan for Science and Technology Development, as well as key projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
A prolific writer, Professor Zhong has published more than 700 articles in overseas journals. In addition, he has published more than 20 books and holds more than 60 patents. He actively participates in and has been awarded Fellowships by many international professional associations. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including The Medal of the Republic, the highest national honour, in 2020. With "To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind” as its motto, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University indeed shares the same education philosophy and humanistic values as Professor Zhong.
Citation
Mr Council Chairman,
Professor Zhong Nanshan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, is a world-renowned expert in combating epidemics and an exceptional scientist. His perseverance in the pursuit of truth, his passion for saving lives, and his concern for his nation and its citizens make him not only a role model for scholars and healthcare professionals, but also for all individuals.
A native of Xiamen, Fujian Province, Professor Zhong graduated from the Peking University Health Science Center in 1960 and went on to the University of Edinburgh and the University of London from 1979 to 1981 for further studies and research, specializing in respiratory diseases. Upon returning to China, he mainly engaged in clinical, teaching and scientific research on respiratory diseases. From 1992 to 2002, he served as the President of Guangzhou Medical College, and is now a Professor of Internal Medicine at Guangzhou Medical University, the Director of the Guangzhou Laboratory, the Director of the National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, the Head of the Senior Expert Group of the National Health Commission, and a member of the World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Preparedness and Response.
Professor Zhong is internationally recognised for his contributions to infectious disease control and respiratory medicine, and his professional affiliations include Fellowship of the American College of Chest Physicians, the European Respiratory Society, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Physicians of London.
Professor Zhong spearheaded the battle against the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. In 2003, he fearlessly disputed the misguided notion that “SARS was caused by chlamydia, not a virus, and that the situation would soon be under control”. He asserted with unwavering determination that “the culprit is not chlamydia, but a virus". In 2019, he made a strong appeal and said: "the epidemic is spreading through person-to-person transmission, necessitating a city-wide lockdown". Professor Zhong’s profound scientific acumen, and his courage to shoulder responsibility and speak up successfully led his medical team to develop treatment strategies which served as a global benchmark for combatting epidemics, saving innumerable lives. “Send all critically ill patients to my ward!” – this statement made by him touched many hearts and souls.
Professor Zhong has received numerous awards for his outstanding scientific achievements. He has presided over the 973 programme, 863 programme, the 10th, 11th and 12th 5-Year Plan for Science and Technology Development, as well as key projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. A prolific writer, he has published more than 700 articles in overseas journals, including New England Journal of Medicine, Nature Medicine , Lancet and other international journals. In addition, he has published more than 20 books and has more than 60 patents. He has also received more than 20 scientific and technological awards, including China’s Top Ten Scientists, the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Award, the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award - Second Prize, the Wu Jieping Medical Award, the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation’s “Science and Technology Achievement Award”, and the Wu Yang Special Contribution Award.
In addition to his roles as a doctor and scientist, Professor Zhong actively contributes to the realm of education. A devoted teacher, he not only imparts medical knowledge, but also instills profound virtues in his students. He has received esteemed accolades such as the South Guangdong Outstanding Teacher Award, the Teaching Excellence Award for Higher Education, the National Teaching Achievement Award, and was selected for the Huang-Danian-style Teaching Team among National Universities for many years in a row.
Professor Zhong’s life has not been without hurdles. When he graduated from university, he was caught in the midst of political and social changes, and had to endure a lot of hard times as a farmer and a boiler worker. However, his resolute belief in a brighter tomorrow remained steadfast. Throughout those challenging days, he stayed calm, showcasing unwavering faith and perseverance. When the opportune moment arrived, he worked exceedingly hard to make up for the lost time. In the end, not only was he able to realise his longstanding aspiration of becoming a doctor, but he was also able to bring about immense benefits for the community.
As a distinguished and highly respected figure, Professor Zhong has received numerous honours over the years, including the National May 1 Labor Medal, the Bethune Medal, the 2003 Touching China Award, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2020 by Time Magazine. In 2020, he was awarded the highest national honour, the Medal of the Republic, in a meeting commending role models in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. He has also served as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People’s Congress (NPC) for several terms, and has been awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, guided by its motto “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind” aligns closely with Professor Zhong’s education philosophy, with a strong commitment to nurturing the innovative ability of students, as well as instilling in them a strong sense of social responsibility. Mr Council Chairman, in recognition of Professor Zhong's unwavering spirit and remarkable achievements, I respectfully request that you confer upon Professor Zhong Nanshan the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
Response Speech
Chairman Dr Lam, President Professor Teng, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am Zhong Nanshan. First of all, recognising the excellent scientific reputation and profound academic foundations of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I feel extremely privileged to have been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science by the University. This honour is not only a recognition of my personal contributions, but also an encouragement for my colleagues who have been engaged in the medical sciences exploring the unknown, pursuing innovation and accelerating technological advances. In this regard, I sincerely appreciate the close friendship and collaboration among PolyU, Guangzhou Medical University and Guangzhou National Laboratory colleagues.
PolyU is a university with a long history in Hong Kong, nurturing scientific research with an application orientation. It puts great emphasis on education, scientific research and knowledge transfer for societal benefits. These aims are well-aligned with our conception of medical practice. Guangzhou National Laboratory, where I am currently serving, is dedicated to the research of public health emergency and chronic respiratory diseases. Based on pragmatic considerations, the Laboratory integrates cutting-edge international programmes, ideas and technologies to resolve local healthcare issues, thereby advancing standards of healthcare and quality of life. In my opinion, true innovation is not only confined to the writing or publication of an influential article, but should also entail the translation of scientific discoveries into practical use where these advances may generate socioeconomic products. I am pleased that we share a common spirit with our PolyU colleagues. The Award which I have received inspires me to a greater mission -- finding ways to boost educational and scientific research collaboration among colleagues within the Greater Bay Area, at PolyU, Guangzhou Medical University and Guangzhou National Laboratory. Our joint efforts will surely contribute substantially to improving the quality of life of our citizens in the near-future.
Finally, I would like to thank The Hong Kong Polytechnic University once again for your recognition and support. I will cherish this precious honour forever. Thank you!