Sixth Chinese Researcher Receives Prestigious UNESCO Award
A leading Chinese academician has joined an elite group of global researchers recognized for advancing human health through life sciences. Professor Ye Ruo was awarded the 10th UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences during a ceremony held Friday at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.
Professor Ye Ruo, who also serves as president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and holds academician status at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was honored specifically for her profound impact on neuroscience. Her career has been defined by rigorous investigations into how the human brain operates and how neurodegenerative diseases develop.
Her laboratory successfully identified previously unknown genetic risk factors and novel biological indicators linked to brain diseases. She also engineered a revolutionary blood screening method that allows for the early detection and ongoing surveillance of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, her team has been at the forefront of gene therapy trials targeting progressive neurological disorders.
This recognition elevates her to the rank of the sixth Chinese scientist to be awarded this highly competitive international prize.
The award ceremony also spotlighted the critical medical contributions of two fellow laureates. Professor Carlos Martin Montanes of the University of Zaragoza in Spain was commended for his work on developing live attenuated vaccines against tuberculosis. Professor Adnan Rimal of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Morocco was praised for his dedicated efforts in navigating the complex challenges of antimicrobial resistance.
First launched in 2008 and sustained through financial support from the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the prize serves as a global benchmark for scientific excellence. It is designed to honor researchers and institutions that drive meaningful improvements in human quality of life while advancing the life sciences sector in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.