Prof. Lo Yuk-ming Dennis, director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, has been elected as a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of the US. Professor Lo’s election was based on his discovery of circulating fetal nucleic acids in the plasma of pregnant women and his pioneering work in translating this discovery into innovative non-invasive prenatal diagnostic tests, such as that for Down syndrome. In a relatively short period of one-and-a-half years since the clinical launch of such tests, over 250,000 have been performed globally, representing one of the most rapidly developing areas of molecular testing.

Professor Lo says, ‘I am elated to receive this honour, which is one of the most treasured that a scientist can receive.’

Members are elected to the NAS, founded in 1863, in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Other professors of CUHK who are members of the NAS include Prof. Sir James Mirrlees, Prof. Yang Chen-ning, Prof. Yau Shing-tung, and Prof. Yao Chi-chih Andrew.

For details, please click here.