PolyU’s 31st Congregation awarded honorary doctorates to Nobel Laureate Professor Barry James Marshall and Mr Han Bicheng, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Qiangnao Technology, in recognition of their remarkable achievements and contributions to society. The ceremony was presided over by PolyU Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai and President Professor Jin-Guang Teng.

Nobel Laureate honoured for pioneering work on Helicobacter pylori

Professor Barry James Marshall, a world-renowned medical scientist and 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, is a PolyU Distinguished Honorary Professor, who was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa. As director of the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training at The University of Western Austria, his work on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) revolutionised our understanding and treatment of gastric diseases.

With Professor Robin Warren, Professor Marshall established that H. pylori is the principal cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, earning them both the Nobel Prize in 2005. Professor Marshall champions translating science into clinical practice, addressing antimicrobial resistance and promoting diagnostics and therapies that improve treatment outcomes while reducing antibiotic overuse.

Professor Marshall has fostered a productive Australia–China research partnership, receiving China’s Friendship Award (2015) and the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award (2023) for medical exchange and H. pylori–related gastric cancer prevention. He is a professor at Shenzhen University, and serves as a member of the management committee of PolyU’s Marshall Research Centre for Medical Microbial Biotechnology.

Prof. Barry James Marshall joined the congregation virtually to receive the Degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.

Recognised for global leadership in non-invasive brain-computer interface technologies

Mr Han Bicheng, founder and CEO of Qiangnao Technology, leads China’s first unicorn specialising in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology and is a global neurotechnology innovator, who was awarded the degree of Doctor of Technology, honoris causa. A Harvard PhD candidate when he founded Qiangnao in 2015, Han pursues brain-controlled prosthetics for physically impaired individuals and advances rehabilitation for ADHD, ASD, Alzheimer’s, and sleep disorders.

He holds several prestigious advisory roles and accolades in recognition of his contributions to innovation and technology. He sits on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Science and Technology Innovation Advisory Committee and was appointed to Hong Kong Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers in 2025. His accolades include MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Fortune China’s 40 Under 40, and AI Person of the Year 2025.

PolyU recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qiangnao to drive the deployment of intelligent prostheses, enhancing mobility and quality of life for those in need.

Mr Han Bicheng was conferred the Degree of Doctor of Technology, honoris causa.

PolyU President urges graduates to embrace AI opportunities

When extending his congratulations to the honorary doctorates and doctoral graduates, Professor Teng stated the need to embrace technology with curiosity, responsibility and creativity in a time when artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are transforming our lives. He further assured that PolyU is committed to preparing students for the AI era, integrating AI into education and fostering innovation. As Hong Kong evolves into an international innovation and technology centre, exciting opportunities await those ready to lead.

Dr Lam Tai-fai (left) and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (right) congratulate Honorary Doctorate recipients Mr Han Bicheng (centre) and Prof. Barry James Marshall, who participated in the ceremony online.