Prof.Philip Yong-Xin Li received his BS degree from Peking University in 2008 and his PhD degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2014. He joined the Chemistry department at the University of Hong Kong in fall 2019. With a focus on chemical biology and drug discovery, Dr. Li is particularly skilled in the discovery, biosynthesis, and bioengineering of microbial metabolites. Over the years, he and his team have built a strong foundation in the bioinformatics-guided discovery, biosynthesis and bioengineering of peptide antibiotics. The team's recent key strategy integrates advanced data mining methodologies with synthetic biology techniques, unlocking the genetic potential of complex microbiota to explore new ribosomal peptides and novel biosynthesis pathways for antibiotic discovery. Additionally, by deciphering the complex chemical "language" of microbe interactions, their interdisciplinary method significantly enhances the targeted discovery of potent peptide antibiotics.

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Education
2014, PhD in Biology, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
2010, Mphil in Medicinal Chemistry, Peking University
2008, B.Sc in Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University

Awards
2024
Young Peptide Scientist Award (Chinese Peptide Society)
2024
Rising Star in Biological, Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (ACS Bio & Med Chem Au)
2014-2017
IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship, HKUST
2012
Research excellence Award of School of Science, HKUST

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