Thought Leadership

The Faculty proudly commemorates a significant milestone – three years of recognizing exceptional young women scholars with the prestigious Rosie Young 90 Medal. This award celebrates the inspiring legacy of Professor Rosie Young, a pioneering leader in medicine and education, and exemplifies our commitment to nurturing future female leaders in academia.

Celebrating Our Awardees
Since its inception, the Rosie Young 90 Medal has honored outstanding young women scholars across our Faculty. We are proud to honor three exceptional recipients:

2023: Professor Kathy Shum, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
Professor Shum specializes in children’s socioemotional development, focusing on ASD and ADHD. She leads HKU’s Educational Psychology program, collaborates with NGOs, and has received teaching awards. Her community interventions have supported thousands of students and families across Hong Kong.

2024: Professor Frances Law, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration
Professor Law researches community-based solutions for vulnerable groups, including those at risk of suicide and poverty. An experienced social worker, she has published extensively, holds leadership roles at HKU, and focuses on improving social services through evidence-based interventions and policy research.

the Rosie Young 90 Medal Presentation Ceremony 2023/2024 Professor France Law: Third from the left; Professor Kathy Shum: First from the right

the Rosie Young 90 Medal Presentation Ceremony 2023/2024 Professor France Law: First from the right; Professor Kathy Shum: Second from the right

2025: Professor Jiangnan Zhu, Associate Professor, Department of Politics and Public Administration
Professor Zhu studies corruption and governance in China, offering key insights into authoritarian politics. She’s published in top journals, advises policymakers globally, and mentors students at HKU, contributing significantly to research, curriculum development, and international academic leadership.

the Rosie Young 90 Medal Presentation Ceremony 2025 Professor Jiangnan Zhu: Second from the right

the Rosie Young 90 Medal Presentation Ceremony 2025 – Professor Kathy Shum & Professor Frances Law attended the Ceremony to celebrate the honor moment together with the 2025 awardees From left: Professor Kathy Shum, Professor Frances Law, Professor Jiangnan Zhu, Professor Rosie Young, Professor Carmen Wong, Mrs Jennifer Cheng, Professor Pauline Chiu

A Message from Our Dean
Professor Ming Wen, Dean of the Faculty, expressed her heartfelt congratulations:
“My warmest congratulations to Professors Shum, Law, and Zhu. I am deeply inspired by their exceptional scholarship and leadership. Their achievements not only advance their respective fields but also light the path for the next generation of women in academia. Our Faculty is immensely proud to celebrate these remarkable role models.”

Looking Ahead
As we celebrate three years of honoring inspiring young women scholars, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering future leaders who will shape the social sciences and beyond. The Rosie Young 90 Medal stands as a testament to our shared values of excellence, leadership, and groundbreaking scholarship.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of these outstanding scholars and honoring the enduring legacy of Professor Rosie Young – a pioneer whose spirit continues to inspire us all.

Background of the Rosie Young 90 Medal
Professor Rosie Young (楊紫芝) is a world-renowned endocrinologist, HKU alumnus, and the first female Dean of Medicine at HKU. She served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor and is the Honorary Lifetime Chairperson of the HKU Foundation. The medal was established to celebrate her 90^th birthday and to recognize her profound contributions to the university and the field of medicine. It aims to inspire talented young female academics to follow her example of excellence and leadership.