Ye Yuru won the UNESCO International Life Sciences Research Award

China News Service, Paris, November 3 (Reporter Li Yang) UNESCO, headquartered in Paris, France, announced the winners of the 2026 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Life Sciences Research Award on the 3rd local time. A total of 3 winners, including Ye Yuru, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

UNESCO said in a press release issued on the same day that Dr. Ip Yu-ru, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, is an internationally renowned neuroscientist and was honored for his outstanding contributions in the field of neuroscience. Her research deepens understanding of brain function and Alzheimer's disease, discovers new biomarkers, identifies relevant genetic risk factors, and develops innovative blood tests that help diagnose Alzheimer's disease earlier and improve disease monitoring. Her pioneering research in the field of gene therapy has also opened up new avenues for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The other two winners are Montañez, a professor at the University of Zaragoza, Spain, and Remar, a professor at the Sidi Mohammed bin Abdullah University of Fez, Morocco. Montañez was awarded “for his outstanding scientific leadership in the life sciences and for his significant contributions to the clinical development of the first live attenuated tuberculosis vaccine based on Mycobacterium tuberculosis.” Remar received the award "for his pioneering research in combating antimicrobial resistance."

UNESCO stated that the innovative research of Ye Yuru and three other laureates has enabled mankind to make major breakthroughs in responding to the world's most pressing health challenges, helping to improve disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment capabilities, and improving people's health and well-being.

The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Life Sciences Research Award was established by the UNESCO Executive Board in 2008 and plays an important role in promoting the advancement of scientific knowledge and strengthening capacity building for sustainable development. The award ceremony will be held on the 6th of this month at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.