{
  "id": 329937,
  "title": "CUHK chief Dennis Lo ‘calm’ about talk of Nobel Prize for groundbreaking test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/cuhk-chief-dennis-lo-calm-about-talk-of-nobel-prize-for-329937",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-09T01:00:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3363408/cuhk-chief-dennis-lo-calm-about-talk-nobel-prize-groundbreaking-test"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, the vice-chancellor and president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), remains composed when discussing the possibility of receiving a Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work in non-invasive prenatal testing. In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Lo expressed a calm attitude towards the prestigious award, crediting his achievements to his team and emphasizing his dedication to science. He downplayed speculation about the Nobel Prize, stating that scientists should focus on their work rather than seeking recognition. Lo has already been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Lasker Award, Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, and the Future Science Prize, which some consider the Chinese version of the Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is awarded annually in October, following a year-long selection process and secret nominations that are not revealed for at least 50 years. CUHK recently released its five-year plan, which prioritizes life science technology, with plans to build a 300,000 sq ft medical faculty building in Pak Shek Kok that will host a neuroscience-focused research center. Lo is optimistic about the potential of neuroscience in addressing diseases like Alzheimer's and recently announced that CUHK researchers are working on diverse subjects such as Mars exploration and studying a subglacial lake in Antarctica. Despite the demands of his new role, Lo remains committed to contributing to scientific progress and improving the relationship between CUHK's medical school and the university-affiliated medical center.",
  "summary": "Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, vice-chancellor and president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), remains calm about speculation that he may win a Nobel Prize. According to the South China Morning Post, Lo, a world-renowned molecular geneticist, downplayed the idea, saying he prefers to focus on his scientific work.\n\nLo has already received several prestigious awards for inventing non-invasive prenatal testing, which has been used by more than 100 million pregnant women worldwide. These accolades include the Lasker Award, the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, and the Future Science Prize.\n\nLo attributes his success to his team and is enthusiastic about his plans at CUHK, including the construction of a new medical faculty building and a focus on neuroscience. He stated that scientists can only do science, and awards are beyond their control.",
  "key_points": [
    "Professor Dennis Lo remains calm about Nobel Prize speculation.",
    "Lo attributes achievements to his team and dedication to science.",
    "CUHK focuses on life science technology with new medical building plans."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lo's calm demeanor about a potential Nobel Prize signals that he prioritizes scientific progress over personal recognition, fitting a leadership style that values team achievements and dedication to research.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
        "title": "CUHK chief Dennis Lo ‘calm’ about talk of Nobel Prize for groundbreaking test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/cuhk-chief-dennis-lo-calm-about-talk-of-nobel-prize-for",
        "published": "2026-08-09T01:00:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}