Professor Zhang Hongjie, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) and Director of Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University, has been appointed as Cheung On Tak Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine, with effect from July 2024. The endowed professorship was established with the funding support of Cheung On Tak Charity Foundation with the aims of recognising scholars who have made groundbreaking achievements in advancing the internationalisation of Chinese medicine, and promoting innovative research in Chinese medicine.   

A faculty member of HKBU since 2011, Professor Zhang is well-known for his contributions to the field of natural drug development. Throughout his career, he has been committed to bridging traditional Chinese medical practices with cutting-edge scientific research, focusing on the development of novel anticancer and antiviral therapies from medicinal plants. In addition, he has discovered more than 500 novel molecules, making significant contributions to the global pool of medicinal chemistry.  

Furthermore, he has secured over 40 granted patents on top of substantial research funding with his groundbreaking research over the years. In 2016, he founded Gihon Biotech Limited, through which he demonstrated his strong commitment to translating the fruits of academic research into real-world applications by producing cosmetic products derived from traditional Chinese medicine.  

Professor Zhang’s academic contributions are truly remarkable. He has published more than 190 peer-reviewed journal articles in esteemed journals such as Journal of Natural Products and Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. From 2021 to 2023, he has been listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University for three consecutive years, which is a global recognition of his exceptional contributions to the biomedical sciences and education.   

Please click here for more information about Professor Zhang’s profile.