Stem Cell Biologist and Biotechnology Leader Driving Innovation in Healthy Aging and Regenerative Medicine
Professor Tom Cheung is a trailblazer in stem cell biology, a visionary leader in biotechnology, and a passionate mentor to the next generation of scientists.
As Associate Head (Research and Development) of the Division of Life Science and S H Ho Professor of Life Science at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), he combines scientific excellence with strategic leadership. His mission is clear: to advance biomedical discoveries into real-world innovations that extend human healthspan and transform lives.
Academic Journey and Leadership
Prof. Cheung earned his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2006, followed by postdoctoral training in regenerative medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine under the mentorship of world-renowned stem cell biologist and neurologist, Prof. Thomas Rando.
Since joining HKUST in 2013, he has become a cornerstone of the life sciences community, taking on leadership roles that bridge research, education, and global partnerships. In addition to his role as Associate Head, he serves as Director of the Biotechnology Research Institute, Associate Director of the Biosciences Central Research Facility, and Assistant Center Director of the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases.
He also spearheads groundbreaking collaborations such as the HKUST-MGI Joint Research Center and the HKUST–Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Joint Research Center for Brain Science.
Contributions to Science Education and Research
Prof. Cheung’s research explores the post-transcriptional mechanisms underlying stem cell function, using muscle stem cells as a model to study regeneration, disease, and aging. His ultimate goal is to develop novel therapeutic interventions for degenerative diseases.
A specialist in mouse genetics, next-generation sequencing, and multi-omics platforms, he leads a research program that pushes the frontiers of aging biology and regenerative medicine.
At the same time, he is a dedicated educator, teaching courses such as Human Genetics and Personalized Medicine and mentoring postgraduate students through Workshops in Biosciences and Life Science Seminars, where he inspires young scientists to innovate for societal benefit.
Research Impact and Recognition
Prof. Cheung has published more than 40 papers in leading journals including Nature, Cell, Cell Stem Cell, Developmental Cell, and Nature Communications. His work has garnered over 7,800 citations, with an h-index of 31 and an i10-index of 46, underscoring his influence in the fields of stem cell biology, aging, and regenerative medicine.
Awards and Honours
- Croucher Innovation Award (2015) – Molecular regulation of stem cell ageing
- School Service Award (2020–2021) – Recognition of outstanding contribution to HKUST
- Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong, 2023) – Multi-modal approach to cellular resilience for improving healthspan
- RGC Research Fellow Scheme (2024) – Post-transcriptional regulation of muscle stem cell quiescence in aging
- Springer Nature Editor of Distinction Award (2025) – Recognized by Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences
Personal Interests
Beyond the lab, Prof. Cheung enjoys cooking, a pursuit he likens to scientific research: both demand creativity, patience, and careful experimentation. This hobby not only provides relaxation but also sparks fresh ideas for his scientific work.
