#Hong Kong #Neuroscience #HKUST #Davos-Klosters #Nancy Ip

Global Insights at Davos 2026

At the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, Professor Nancy Ip, the President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), took center stage as the sole representative from Hong Kong's universities. This significant event attracted over 3,000 leaders from various sectors, including government, business, and academia, who gathered to engage in discussions on pressing global issues, all under the overarching theme "A Spirit of Dialogue."

Professor Ip's participation was particularly focused on crucial topics such as neuroscience, the evolving role of universities, and how research can shape health innovations in the future. During a notable panel discussion titled "Latest Discoveries about the Brain," she shared the platform with esteemed scientists from renowned institutions like the University of Oxford and ETH Zurich, and key players from health technology companies.

In her discourse on neuroscience, Professor Ip discussed transformative advances in brain care, emphasizing the confluence of various fields like molecular biology, imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI). She highlighted how contemporary techniques allow researchers to make significant strides in understanding the brain's complexities. "Our work on profiling multiple proteins in the blood has the potential to forecast Alzheimer’s risk well before symptoms manifest, enabling proactive instead of reactive care," she explained. According to her, this integrated approach holds promise in developing precision medicine that will utilize the brain's inherent abilities to recover, adapt, and advance.

At the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF), Professor Ip further articulated the essential role of universities in society, stressing the importance of serving public interests and fostering an environment of open dialogue. In her address at a roundtable lunch on “Leadership in Transition: Universities and the World Ahead,” she urged institutions to focus on aligning their goals with societal needs, which includes nurturing diverse student bodies and preparing graduates to be responsible global citizens. "Diversity not only enriches the academic atmosphere but also armors our students with the tools needed to confront today’s multifaceted challenges," she stated.

Professor Ip also called for increased knowledge diplomacy and collaboration across sectors, arguing that partnerships with governments, industries, and philanthropic organizations can maximize the societal impact of research. "Co-creating solutions with various stakeholders is crucial for tackling real-world problems while preserving academic independence," she asserted.

During discussions on the future of research and healthcare economics, Professor Ip highlighted the urgency of translating scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for society. "It's vital to provide diverse and robust funding models to ensure that our research can continue to prosper," she stated, emphasizing the potential of public-private partnerships to enhance Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem. She cited the HKSAR Government's funding initiatives, including matching funds and the InnoHK program, which aims to build Hong Kong into a global research collaboration hub through state-of-the-art laboratories.

"Since 1999, HKUST has endeavored to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hong Kong, leading to over 1,900 startups launched by our community, with 10 achieving unicorn status and 17 going public," she highlighted, reaffirming the university’s commitment to driving innovation.

Lastly, the discussions saw a shift towards healthcare innovation as an economic growth strategy. She noted, "Healthcare systems have historically reacted to illness; we need to pivot towards a preventive and personalized care paradigm powered by AI and other digital tools to enhance public health."

Professor Ip described her attendance at Davos as an enriching experience, marking it as a remarkable opportunity for exchanging diverse ideas with fellow university presidents and global leaders. "This unique gathering of thoughtful leaders was invaluable, enabling the cross-pollination of ideas necessary for pioneering a better future. HKUST is dedicated to being a vital bridge for international partnerships and sustainable innovations," she concluded, highlighting the importance of engaging with the global community to shape a brighter tomorrow.