World-Renowned Computational Neuroscientist Joins HKU

Professor Xiao-Jing Wang, a global leader in theoretical and computational neuroscience, has joined the University of Hong Kong as a Chair Professor.

One of the world’s leading neuroscientists, Professor Wang is known for his work on the prefrontal cortex, which governs working memory, decision-making, and executive function. He will hold a joint appointment from HKU’s School of Computing and Data Science and the School of Biomedical Sciences under the LKS Faculty of Medicine beginning from September.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join HKU to carry out my research on foundational brain modelling of intelligence and emotion,” Professor Wang said in a statement.

“The synergy between the two schools offers a rare platform for truly interdisciplinary research. I look forward to working with colleagues across both schools, making our contributions to unlock the mysteries of the brain, inspire next-generation artificial intelligence, and advance computational models for psychiatric care.”

From atoms to neurons

Professor Wang received his Ph.D. with the highest distinction from the Free University of Brussels, where he studied at an institute run by the famed physical chemist Ilya Prigogine, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1977.

Not long after, Professor Wang made a bold switch, changing his focus from theoretical physics to the new field of computational neuroscience. After stints at the University of Pittsburgh, Brandeis University, and Yale, he joined the Center for Neural Science at New York University in 2012, where he would stay until joining HKU.

His landmark discoveries include identifying the crucial role of NMDA receptors in working memory, developing the gold-standard neural circuit model of decision-making, and connectome-based modelling of large-scale brain circuits.

He is also the author of the popular textbook “Theoretical Neuroscience: Understanding Cognition.”

At HKU, Professor Wang will focus on fostering collaboration between the fields of theoretical, cognitive, and systems neuroscience, while helping build a premier global hub for computational neuroscience and brain-inspired AI.

“We are deeply honoured to welcome Professor Wang to HKU,” Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, remarked. “His appointment is a testament to HKU’s commitment to recruiting stellar global talent. Professor Wang’s presence will accelerate our leadership in brain science, AI, and healthcare innovation, delivering profound social and academic impact.”