We are in deepest sadness and sorrow for the passing of Prof. Cheng Hon-ki Christopher on 12 July 2021. Professor Cheng, Research Professor and former Associate Director (Undergraduate Education) of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) as well as former Director of Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology Limited and former Director of CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, had truly been a highly respected member of our School, the Faculty and the University.

Professor Cheng obtained his BSc degree from the former Department of Biochemistry, CUHK in 1976, and received his PhD degree in the University of London, U.K. in 1979. Upon receiving his post-doctoral training in Hormone Research Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco U.S.A., he rejoined CUHK in 1981 and had served the former Department of Biochemistry and our School for 40 years. Professor Cheng is a distinguished scientist and exceptional educator. Throughout his academic journey, he published numerous research papers in international journals on areas of endocrinology, reproduction, chemical analyses, natural product research and drug development. In recognition of his outstanding academic and educational achievements, Professor Cheng was awarded the Second Class Prize of the State Natural Science Award of China in 2009 and the Vice-Chancellor's Exemplary Teaching Award 2013 by CUHK.

Professor Cheng was highly respected by colleagues and students with his selfless services, professional attitudes, academic passions and dedicated contributions to the School, the Faculty and the University, setting an exemplary example that will continue to be an inspiration to us all. We would like to express our greatest gratitude to Professor Cheng’s significant contributions in biomedical research and education, and extend our deepest condolences to Professor Cheng’s family. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the honour to work with him as well as by his students and mentees.

Andrew Chan
Director, School of Biomedical Sciences