With urbanization and climate change posing unprecedented threats to public health and environmental sustainability, innovative research is essential to develop policies and solutions for a cleaner, healthier future. This is precisely the mission of Professor Alexis Lau, who has dedicated his career to advancing environmental science for the benefit of society and the planet.

Since graduating with his Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science from Princeton University in 1991, Prof. Lau has published over 200 journal articles and led more than 100 research projects as Principal Investigator, securing over HK$230 million in funding for groundbreaking work on air quality and health exposure, weather and climate, and environmental policies.

Prof. Lau's research provides practical implications and has been widely referenced in government policy documents, underscoring its influence on public policy and public health strategies. In 2013, he helped spearhead the introduction of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), establishing Hong Kong as a pioneer in health-based air quality management. From 2015 to 2018, he led the first pan-Pearl River Delta PM2.5 study, a tri-government initiative by Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macao that became a blueprint for regional environmental cooperation.

Building on AQHI’s innovative health-centered approach, Prof. Lau and his research team developed the Personalised Real-Time Air Quality Informatics System for Exposure – Hong Kong (PRAISE-HK) app, which provides cutting-edge real-time and forecasted (up to 48 hours) air quality and health risk information. Recognized with the Asia Smart App Gold Award in the Public Sector and Social Innovation category (2022/23) and featured in the Hong Kong government's Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035, PRAISE-HK accurately maps air quality variations down to individual streets with over 90% precision. This feature allows users to proactively plan their time and activities, thereby reducing their exposure to high pollution levels.

Complementing his research endeavors, Prof. Lau is a pioneer in interdisciplinary education who has established two undergraduate programs at HKUST that are the first of their kind in the region: Environmental Management and Technology (EVMT) and Sustainable and Green Finance (SGFN). He seeks to nurture the next cohort of environmental leaders by exposing students to real-world sustainability challenges and innovations like clean energy and ecological civilization. Many graduates now lead sustainability initiatives in major corporations, fulfilling the vision to integrate environmental science with business acumen.

In Hong Kong, Prof. Lau has also been actively promoting the professionalization of environmental protection practice. As vice president and Qualification Panel Chair of the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals (HKIQEP), he and his team successfully advocated for the Legislative Council to pass the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals Ordinance in 2024, establishing HKIQEP as a legally recognized organization. This creates a clear professional pathway for developing qualified talent for many young people interested in environmental protection work, helping to fulfill Hong Kong's growing demand for environmental expertise. Prof. Lau is also a member of the HKSAR Advisory Council on the Environment and a scientific advisor to the Hong Kong Observatory.

Internationally, Prof. Lau has been an expert member of the Environmentally Sustainable Transport Program of UNCRD since 2006, contributing to sustainable urban transport systems. More recently, he also leads the International Coordination Office for the Urban Prediction Project under the WMO’s World Weather Research Program, focusing on integrated urban prediction systems. He also leads the Southeast Asia Regional Hub of the MyClimate Risks initiative at HKUST for the WMO’s World Climate Research Program, supporting the development of tailored climate services for local and regional decision-making.

In recognition of Professor Lau’s lifelong commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable future through his research, educational efforts, and professional services, HKUST is honored to appoint him as the Tang Junyuan Professor of Environmental Science.