傳媒

HKUL - “Chinese Wartime Science through the Lens of Joseph Needham” Exhibition (English only)

2017年02月23日

The East Asian History of Science Foundation Hong Kong (EAHSF HK) in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong Libraries will present the exhibition “Chinese Wartime Science through the Lens of Joseph Needham” from 27 February – 17 March, 2017 at the Second Floor Exhibitions Area, Main Library.

Amongst all his achievements and accolades at Cambridge University, the late Dr Joseph Needham (1900-1995) was best known for his continuing “Science and Civilisation in China” series. While he was visiting China in the 1940s he came into contact with a significant amount of historical documents regarding Chinese science and technology as well as a number of promising young scholars, in the process igniting his passion in the history of science and technology in China. His main question, now known as the “Needham Question”, asks “why modern science had not developed in Chinese civilization but only in Europe given China’s remarkable scientific achievements before the 15th century”. This had always been his focus during his decades of research on the history of science and technology in China.  

Dr Needham provided valuable advice in the post-World War 2 re-opening of HKU in 1945. He stayed close to HKU, particularly with the late Sir Murray MacLehose (Governor of Hong Kong from 1971-1982) whom he befriended in Xiamen while Mr MacLehose was the British Consulate General there during wartime. For his contributions, HKU awarded Dr Needham an honorary “Degree of Doctor of Letters” at the 87th Congregation in 1974.

In 2012, the University of Hong Kong established a permanent endowed chair, “Joseph Needham - Philip Mao Professorship in Chinese History, Science and Civilization” in honour of Dr Needham and the late Dr Philip Wen Chee Mao, founding chairman of the East Asian History of Science Foundation Hong Kong.

Details for the Exhibition:
Date:  27 February – 17 March, 2017
Location:  Atrium/Exhibition Area, 2/F Main Library, The University of Hong Kong 
Time: During Main Library Hours 
          Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
          Saturday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
          Sunday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
          Closed on Public Holidays

The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine and the East Asian History of Science Foundation Hong Kong have co-organized the “11th Joseph Needham Memorial Lecture” to be held on Friday 24 March, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine Lecture Theatre 1, Cheung Kung Hai Conference Centre, William MW Mong Block, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. The lecture will delivered by Professor Vivian T. Wong

Details for the Lecture:
Date:  24 March, 2017
Location:  Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine Lecture Theatre 1, Cheung Kung Hai Conference Centre, William MW Mong Block, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Online Registration for Lecture: https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?guest=Y&ueid=47686
Deadline for registration: March 17, 2017

Both Events are Open to the Public

Media Contact:  Mr. Gary Chin, Tel: 2859 2211 / Ms. Marina Yeung, Tel: 2859 8903