HKBU Library Blog

Chinese Wartime Science through the Lens of Joseph Needham

Hong Kong Baptist University Library, in collaboration with the Joseph Needham Foundation for Science & Civilisation and the HKBU Department of History presents the exhibition “Chinese Wartime Science through the Lens of Joseph Needham”, which will run from 22 January – 23 February, 2018.  

The exhibition features 11 boards and a short video for viewers to gain an understanding of the life of Dr. Joseph Needham (1900-1995) and his contribution to the history of science and technology in China. Dr. Joseph Needham was a British scientist, historian, and sinologist known for both his own scientific research and for his writings on the history of Chinese science and technology. In 1954, Dr. Needham along with an international team of collaborators initiated a project to study the science, technology, and civilisation of ancient China. This project produced a series of volumes “Science and Civilisation in China”, published by Cambridge University Press, which still continues under the guidance of the Publications Board of the Needham Research Institute (NRI), chaired by Christopher Cullen.

Mr. Kendall Crilly (HKBU Librarian) giving welcoming remarks

Dr. Peter Lee (Chairman of Joseph Needham Foundation for Science & Civilisation) introducing the exhibition and Dr. Joseph Needham

Prof. Roland Chin (HKBU President) presenting souvenir to Prof. Angela Leung (HKBU)

(From left)Mrs. Lily Chan, Prof. Clara Ho, Prof. Adrian J. Bailey, Prof. Angela Leung, Dr. Peter Lee, Prof. Roland Chin, Mr. Kendall Crilly, Prof. K. W. Fung, Dr. Melanie Lee & Prof. Ricky Wong

An opening ceremony for the exhibition was held on 22 January, followed by a public lecture by Prof. Angela K.C Leung (HKU) titled “Joseph Needham’s Science and Civilization in China and Its Impact on Today’s Study of the Chinese History of Science and Technology”.

Prof. Angela Leung (Director and Chair Professor of History Joseph Needham – Philip Mao Professor, HKU)

The exhibition runs until 23 February, 2018.

You can find more information about the exhibition here.