Congratulations Ruopeng!

Dr Ruopeng Xie was awarded the Li Ka Shing Prize for 2023–24 in recognition of the academic excellence of his PhD thesis, “Phylodynamics of respiratory viruses: implications for public health.”

This prestigious prize is one of the highest distinctions awarded by the University of Hong Kong to outstanding PhD graduates each year.

Ruopeng’s research focused on the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of major respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, using phylodynamic frameworks. His findings provided important insights into how public health interventions and host ecology influence viral transmission and evolution.

He is deeply grateful to his supervisors, collaborators, and colleagues in Hong Kong and overseas. Their support, guidance, and collaboration were instrumental to the success of his PhD work.