CUHK Professor Alex Chow Tat-shing appointed to WHO Expert Roster for Global Drinking-water Quality Guidelines as the sole expert selected from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland

Press Releases

CUHK Professor Alex Chow Tat-shing appointed to WHO Expert Roster for Global Drinking-water Quality Guidelines as the sole expert selected from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland

Professor Alex Chow Tat-shing

Professor Alex Chow Tat-shing, Chairperson and Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), has been appointed to the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (GDWQ) Roster of Experts 2026-2030. He is the sole expert selected from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland for the roster.

The prestigious appointment recognises Professor Chow's expertise and international standing in water quality protection and treatment, underscoring CUHK's global leadership in environmental science, climate adaptation and public health research.

Shaping international policy for water safety and public health

The WHO GDWQ serve as the definitive global reference framework for drinking-water safety and risk management. They provide a scientific reference for governments, regulators and policymakers worldwide, supporting the formulation of drinking-water quality standards and regulations to safeguard public health.

With the WHO currently preparing the fifth edition of the GDWQ to address escalating global challenges from climate change, environmental pollution and emerging water quality risks, expert roster members were selected through a rigorous review process conducted by the WHO Secretariat and external referees. In this role, Professor Chow may be called upon to contribute to the development of this fifth edition of the Guidelines, including the preparation of technical background papers and participation in future WHO technical meetings, helping inform global drinking-water policies and standards.

Driving science-based solutions for water security

Professor Chow said: "I am deeply honoured to join the WHO GDWQ Roster of Experts. Clean and safe drinking water is not only a fundamental requirement for human health, but also a cornerstone of global sustainable development. As climate change, extreme weather events and complex pollution increasingly threaten water security, the international community needs science-based solutions more than ever. I look forward to collaborating with experts from around the world to contribute professional insights to the development of the WHO Guidelines and help advance global drinking-water safety and safeguard public health for communities worldwide."

Globally recognised for pioneering research in source-water protection

Professor Chow is an internationally recognised scholar, ranking among the World's Top 2% Scientist for his expertise in environmental sciences. He specialises in water chemistry and his research advances our understanding on how natural disasters and land use practices, such as wildfire, flooding, agricultural farming, and urban development, impact water pollution and drinking water treatability.

Professor Chow currently serves as the Inaugural Chairperson of CUHK's EES, the newest Department at Faculty of Science. Its establishment reflects the university's unwavering commitment to advancing research, education, and innovation in environment and sustainability. In 2024, Professor Chow was among the six scientists chosen to take part in China's 41st Antarctic expedition, a significant milestone in CUHK's strategic role in contributing towards the country's polar science innovation.

Professor Alex Chow Tat-shing