Peking University, February 8, 2026: Six faculty members from Peking University (PKU) received national honors at the 2025 Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Awards ceremony in Beijing on February 2, marking the highest number awarded to a single university this year.

Among the awardees, five scholars were presented with the Science and Technology Progress Award, recognizing groundbreaking discoveries across diverse fields:

E Weinan, a professor from the School of Mathematical Sciences and academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, stands as a global pioneer of the “AI for Science” paradigm. His research focuses on computational mathematics, applied mathematics, and machine learning.



Qu Lijia, a professor from the School of Life Sciences and academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, focuses on molecular mechanisms involved in sexual reproduction in Arabidopsis, currently the most widely studied plant in modern biology. He also studies new technologies in rice breeding.



Lu Lin, President of Peking University Sixth Hospital and academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, has proposed novel approaches to modulating pathological memory, discovered new targets for rapid-acting antidepressants, and developed methods for treating mental illnesses during sleep.



Deng Xuliang, President of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, has made a series of original and internationally recognized contributions in the field of oral and maxillofacial biomaterials for tissue repair and regeneration.



Yang Huai, a professor from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, focuses on small molecule liquid crystals, polymer liquid crystals, and liquid crystal/polymer composite materials. He has successfully investigated the relationship between the molecular structure or microstructure of the materials and their properties.



The Foundation also presented the Science and Technology Innovation Award to Jiang Changtao, a professor from the School of Basic Medical Sciences. He has proposed a new theory of cross-species regulation of host homeostasis by gut microbiota-derived enzymes, offering a breakthrough for treating metabolic diseases.



The Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation was established in 1994 by four patriotic Hong Kong financiers — Ho Sin Hang, Leung Kau-Kui, Ho Tim, and Lee Quo-Wei — to honor outstanding Chinese scientists. The recognition of these six scholars demonstrates the depth, breadth, and vitality of PKU research across disciplines.

Written by: Ma Xuan
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
Photo illustration by: Zhang Yang
Source: PKU News (Chinese)