Nancy Ip Receives UNESCO International Life Sciences Award

People's Daily reported that Nancy Ip, president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, received the tenth UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences during an award ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, becoming the 6th Chinese scientist to win this award. According to UNESCO, Ip received the prize for outstanding contributions in neuroscience, having achieved key results in brain function and Alzheimer's disease research, discovered new biomarkers and genetic risk factors, developed blood test technology facilitating early diagnosis and disease monitoring of Alzheimer's disease, and conducted pioneering research in gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Two other laureates were Professor Carlos Martin Montanes of the University of Zaragoza in Spain and Professor Adnane Remmal of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University of Fez in Morocco, recognized for developing an attenuated live tuberculosis vaccine and addressing antimicrobial resistance, respectively. Ip stated that many scientific breakthroughs depend on collaboration, particularly interdisciplinary efforts, and expressed support for strengthening cooperation across disciplines, universities, and national borders to aid drug development for conditions including Alzheimer's disease.