CUHK-Shenzhen medicine dean Li Renke dies aged 65 at academic conference
Li Renke, a renowned heart regeneration scientist and vice dean of the medical school at Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), died on 10 October at an academic conference in Xi'an at age 65. The university announced his death in an obituary, praising his pioneering work in stem cell therapy f
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) announced the death of Li Renke, a chair professor and vice dean of its medical school, who died on Saturday (10 October) while attending an academic conference in Xi'an. He was 65.
Li, born in Harbin, Heilongjiang, was an internationally renowned scientist in cardiac regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and stem cell therapy. He joined CUHK-Shenzhen full-time last year to lead research and translational work, the university said in an obituary posted on its official website.
The obituary described Li as a distinguished pioneer in cardiovascular regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering, and the first scientist globally to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for stem cell transplantation to treat heart failure. It noted his decades of dedication to scientific research, exploring the frontiers of life sciences, and advancing medical technology through outstanding academic achievements and innovative spirit.
According to the obituary, Li devoted his life to science, serving his country and mentoring younger scholars. He left an environment where he had worked for nearly 40 years to drive disruptive research in regenerative medicine and interdisciplinary fields. He served as a member of the State Council's Overseas Chinese Affairs Office expert advisory committee and as a project reviewer for the National Natural Science Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Technology. He also received national recognition for his work.
A farewell ceremony for Li will be held on Tuesday (14 October) morning in Xi'an, followed by a memorial service at CUHK-Shenzhen on Saturday (17 October).