- Dr James Kung, Professors Malik Peiris and Lap-Chee Tsui decorated with the Légion d’honneur of France - Dr Malik Peiris, Chair Professor of Microbiology and our Scientific Director has been nominated Knight of the Légion d’honneur to reward his exceptional contribution to research in infectious diseases and his pivotal role in the collaboration between the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Institut Pasteur (visit our photo albums’ page). In his acceptance speech, Professor Malik Peiris acknowledged the contribution of his team and spoke of how the life and achievements of Louis Pasteur influenced his decision to become a microbiologist (“All started from a book”, Medical Faculty News, volume 10, issue 2, pages 5-6).
Dr James Kung, our Chairman of the Board of Directors was elevated to the dignity of Grand Officer of the Légion d’Honneur for his continuing efforts in promoting the scientific cooperation between Hong Kong and France (visit our photo albums’ page). Dr James Kung initiated and supported the creation of our Centre (visit our history’s page).
Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, Vice-Chancellor and President of HKU was also admitted as Knight of the Légion d’honneur (HKU press release).
They all received the award from the Grand Chancellor of the Légion d’Honneur and Chancellor of the National Order of Merit, General Jean-Pierre Kelche.
The Légion d’Honneur, created in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte, is the highest decoration given by the French Republic to distinguished individuals for their outstanding services, regardless of the social status or the nationality of the recipients.
