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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) held its 89th Congregation for the Conferment of Honorary and Doctoral Degrees today (3 December). Dr. Norman N.P. Leung, Chairman of the Council of CUHK, presided at the Congregation. In view of the fact that Hong Kong and other parts of the world are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the University held the graduation ceremony via live broadcast for the graduates and their families and friends, in order to protect everyone’s health and safety.

Six distinguished persons had honorary degrees conferred upon them in recognition of their outstanding contributions in their respective areas of achievement in public welfare, scientific and educational progress, the promotion of human health, and sport. They are: Professor Sir Shankar BALASUBRAMANIAN, Professor Sir John BELL, Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, Professor Harvey F. LODISH, Dr. SHEN Jinkang, and Professor Sir Steve SMITH (surname in alphabetical order).

Professor Sir Shankar BALASUBRAMANIAN, Professor Sir John BELL and Professor Harvey F. LODISH were awarded the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa. Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan and Dr. SHEN Jinkang were awarded the degree of Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa. Professor Sir Steve SMITH was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

Besides the six honorary degrees, a total of 525 doctoral degrees were conferred at the Congregation. These included 1 Doctor of Medicine, 508 Doctor of Philosophy, 7 Doctor of Education, 1 Doctor of Music, 5 Doctor of Nursing, and 3 Doctor of Psychology.