In Memoriam: Professor Neil Mickleborough

It is with immense sadness that we share the passing of Prof. Neil Mickleborough, a distinguished founding member of our Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering who played an absolutely pivotal role in establishing and building the Department. He left us on April 17, 2025. 

A structural engineer by trade, Prof. Mickleborough made significant contribution to structural engineering and bridge design, authoring over a hundred publications throughout his career, including influential works on prestressed concrete and structural dynamics. His research offered a great deal of practical solutions to complex engineering challenges and has been widely regarded in the field. Prof. Mickleborough was made a Fellow of both the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. 

As an educator, Prof. Mickleborough inspired countless students through teaching courses such as Advanced Prestressed Concrete and Structural Vibration, and implementing a mentorship framework that benefited hundreds of undergraduate engineering students. He also served as Director of the Center for Engineering Education Innovation, championing high-quality learning programs and fostering a culture of excellence that has greatly influenced engineering education at HKUST and beyond. An overall outstanding teacher and mentor, he was aptly made a recipient of HKUST’s Teaching Excellence Award. Beyond HKUST, he also served as Dean of Engineering at the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Deputy Dean at the Asian University of Science and Technology in Thailand. 

Known for his remarkable integrity, kindness, generosity of spirit, as well as tremendous wit and sense of humour, Prof. Mickleborough was particularly well loved within the HKUST community. His commitment to excellence and dedication to mentoring others — students and junior colleagues alike — has left behind a legacy that will inspire current and future generations of not only engineers but also educators. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering extends our deepest condolences to Prof. Mickleborough’s family, friends and colleagues, but, while we mourn the loss of this extraordinary educator and friend, we celebrate his life and the profound impact that he has had on our community and the field of engineering. 

Online Tribute 
A memorial webpage has been created for those who wish to share thoughts and memories of Prof. Mickleborough. 

Tributes and remembrances can be contributed here: https://www.online-tribute.com/NeilMickleborough. 

Professor Neil Mickleborough Memorial Fund 
In honor of Prof. Mickleborough’s legacy and commitment to education, we invite you to donate to the Professor Neil Mickleborough Memorial Fund. 

To make a donation to the fund, please visit: https://w5.ab.ust.hk/jsdm/donation_form?eventId=SENGPNMMF.