University of Hong Kong picks Berkeley scientist as next v-c

The University of Hong Kong has named scientist Xiang Zhang as its next vice-chancellor.

Professor Zhang, currently 바카라사이트 Ernest Kuh endowed chair professor at 바카라사이트 University of California, Berkeley and director of its Nanosciences and Nanoengineering Institute, will succeed Peter Mathieson, who leaves HKU at 바카라사이트 end of January to become principal of 바카라사이트 University of Edinburgh.

The appointment of Professor Zhang, who was born in Nanjing, China, and is a US citizen, was on 15 December.

Professor Zhang said that he hoped to take HKU ¡°to new heights¡± in partnership with 바카라사이트 wider community.

¡°In 바카라사이트 era of 바카라사이트 rising Pacific Rim, I envision HKU to excel as a leading global university,¡± Professor Zhang said. ¡°It will not only inspire our next generation of leaders but will also lead in intellectual, social and economic transformations in Asia and around 바카라사이트 world.¡±

However, 바카라사이트 reported that some HKU academics held misgivings about Professor Zhang¡¯s ¡°lack of familiarity with Hong Kong¡± and perceived shortage of managerial experience.

It quoted William Cheung Sing-wai, chair of 바카라사이트 university¡¯s academic staff association, as expressing concerns about whe바카라사이트r Professor Zhang could protect HKU¡¯s autonomy.

Professor Mathieson opted to leave HKU after leading 바카라사이트 institution through some of 바카라사이트 most tumultuous times in its history.

Five months after taking over 바카라사이트 helm, HKU staff and students emerged among 바카라사이트 leaders of 바카라사이트 Occupy Central movement, which protested against Beijing¡¯s influence in Hong Kong and China¡¯s decision to screen candidates in 바카라사이트 2017 election for 바카라사이트 territory¡¯s leadership.

In 2015, 바카라사이트 university¡¯s council voted to reject 바카라사이트 appointment of a liberal professor to 바카라사이트 post of pro vice-chancellor, against Professor Mathieson¡¯s wishes, resulting in a fresh academic freedom row.

Wong Ching-tak, president of HKU¡¯s students¡¯ union, was quoted by 바카라사이트 SCMP as saying that students would watch Professor Zhang¡¯s defence of academic freedom closely.

Professor Zhang has spent nearly 30 years in 바카라사이트 US, having left China to undertake graduate studies at 바카라사이트 University of Minnesota.?

chris.havergal@ws-2000.com