CityUHK scholar becomes first recipient from Hong Kong to receive prestigious international microfluidics award
Professor Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, Vice-President (Research) of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), has been awarded the 2025 Lab on a Chip & ALine Pioneers of Miniaturisation Lectureship by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to miniaturised systems research. Professor Shum is the first scientist from Hong Kong, China, to receive this honour.
This global accolade celebrates pioneering achievements in miniaturisation technologies. Professor Shum’s work marks a significant milestone for both local and international research in microfluidics.
His research spans aqueous two-phase systems, droplet-based microfluidics and bio-microfluidic platforms. He is a trailblazer in developing all-aqueous multiphase systems, advancing biocompatible materials, 3D bioprinting and nanomedicine. His research, published in a number of leading international journals, has introduced new strategies for cancer cell treatment, including innovations in droplet microfluidics for single-cell analysis and high-throughput screening, and the development of composition-tuneable cold atmospheric plasma chips.
Professor Shum said he was honoured to receive this recognition and expressed his hope that his research achievements in miniaturised systems would break through the limitations of traditional microfluidic technologies, elevating the field to new heights.
“These new systems hold transformative potential for drug delivery, diagnostics and biomimetic devices,” he said. “This recognition motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of miniaturisation to create innovative solutions that positively impact biomedical engineering and global health.”
At the award ceremony in Australia, Professor Shum delivered a plenary presentation titled “All-Aqueous Miniaturised Systems”, in which he shared his breakthroughs and vision for the future of microfluidics with experts worldwide.
Professor Shum’s pioneering research has earned him numerous accolades, including the 15th Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Prize from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a Gold Medal in the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, the inaugural Hong Kong Engineering Science and Technology Award, selection as the first Global Young Academy Member in Hong Kong, and the Croucher Senior Research Fellowships.
The Lab on a Chip & ALine Pioneers of Miniaturisation Lectureship, jointly sponsored by the RSC journal Lab on a Chip and ALine Inc., is awarded annually to early-career scientists who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in miniaturised technologies.