Science Public Lecture Series: Beyond Covalent Bonding: Chemistry of Weak Interactions and Mechanical Interlocking

Date & Time: November 20, 2025 (Thursday) | 5:30 - 6:30 pm (HKT)

Venue: KK101, K.K. Leung Building, Main Campus, HKU ( Map )

Speaker: Professor Ho Yu AU-YEUNG
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Connecting atoms through covalent bonds to form molecules has long been a central theme in chemistry. However, this lecture invites you into the captivating realm of supramolecular chemistry and mechanical bonds, showcasing how non-covalent interactions and mechanically interlocked structures—such as catenanes and rotaxanes—are fueling the development of innovative materials, molecular machines, and smart catalysts. Join us to discover how these subtle forces and ingenious designs are revolutionizing our understanding of chemical systems and paving the way for new technological horizons.

For enquiries, please contact science@hku.hk or 3917-2683.

Speaker Professor Ho Yu AU-YEUNG

Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong

Professor Ho Yu AU-YEUNG is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at HKU. He graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and obtained his PhD degree from the University of Cambridge. He has received the Croucher Innovation Award (2016), the Graeme Hanson Early Career Researcher Award (2016), Thieme Chemistry journals Award (2016), Asian Core Program Lectureship Award (Taiwan, 2018), and the HKU Outstanding Young Researcher Award (2020), and was a member of the inaugural Early Career Advisory Board of Chemical Review (2020-2021). Since 2020, he serves as a committee member of the Committee of Young Chemists of the Chinese Chemical Society.

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