Assoc. Prof. Dr. Man Ho Chan | Dark Matter | Best Researcher Award
The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Dr. Chan Man Ho is a distinguished academic specializing in astrophysics, philosophy, and science education. He is currently an Assistant Dean and Associate Dean at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong. With over 100 refereed publications and multiple prestigious awards, Dr. Chan’s research spans dark matter, black holes, multiverse theories, and philosophy of science. His work has received international recognition, with media coverage in top science outlets. A committed educator and researcher, he actively contributes to the scientific community as a journal reviewer, conference organizer, and elected fellow of esteemed societies.
Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Man Ho Chan is a distinguished academic with expertise spanning astrophysics, philosophy, and physics education. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Hong Kong Baptist University (2013–2017) under the supervision of Prof. Kwan Kai Man. Prior to that, he completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Physics Education) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2010–2012) and an M.A. in Christian Studies from the same institution (2008–2010). His strong foundation in astrophysics includes a Ph.D. (2004–2008) and an M.Phil. (2002–2004) from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, both supervised by Prof. Chu Ming Chung. Dr. Chan began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Physics from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (1999–2002), establishing a solid background in scientific research and interdisciplinary studies.
💼 Experience
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Man Ho Chan has an extensive academic and teaching career, currently serving as the Assistant Dean and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) since 2024. He has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Science and Environmental Studies at EdUHK since 2021, following his tenure as an Assistant Professor from 2015 to 2021. Before joining EdUHK, he was a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong from 2012 to 2015. His early career includes valuable experience in secondary education, having taught at Shatin Pui Ying College (2005–2011) and Peace Evangelical Secondary School (2004–2005). His diverse roles reflect a strong commitment to education, research, and academic leadership.
🔬 Research Interests
Astrophysics: Dark Matter, Supermassive Black Holes, Exoplanets, Multiverse
Philosophy of Science: Cosmopsychism, Scientific Realism, Creativity
Science Education: Constructivist Learning, Early Science Literacy
🏆 Awards & Honors
2024 Honorable Mention, Awards for Essays on Gravitation (Gravity Research Foundation, USA)
2024 Departmental Teaching Excellence Award (EdUHK)
2023 Elected Fellow, Royal Astronomical Society (UK)
2023 President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Research (EdUHK)
2022 Humanities & Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship (Research Grants Council)
2022 Faculty Research Output Prize (EdUHK)
2021 Elected Fellow, International Society for Science and Religion
2020 President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Research (Early Career) (EdUHK)
📚 Selected Publications
Astrophysics:
"Identifying dark matter signals by the radio continuum spectral data of the cool-core cluster RX J1720.1+2638" (2025) – Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Co-authored with Chak Man Lee
Explores potential dark matter signals in galaxy clusters
[DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stae2638]
Science Education:
"Pathways to early science literacy: Investigating the different role of language and reading skills in science literacy among early primary school children" (2025) – International Journal of Science Education
Co-authored with Yuanke Sun
Examines the influence of language and reading skills on young students' science literacy
[DOI: 10.1080/09500693.2024.2335671]
"Constructivist learning approaches do not necessarily promote immediate learning outcome or interest in science learning" (2025) – The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher
Co-authored with Elaine Kit Ling Yeung, Miao Zhong, Jing Huang, Tik Sze Carrey Siu, and Him Cheung
Evaluates the effectiveness of constructivist learning methods in science education
[DOI: 10.1007/s40299-024-00893-8]
"The impact of immersive design on the relations between students’ motivational and science literacy awareness: A mixed methods study" (2025) – Cogent Education
Co-authored with Yuan-Ke Sun and Wing-Chi Wong
Investigates the effects of immersive learning environments on student motivation and science literacy
[DOI: 10.1080/2331186X.2025.2467494]
Philosophy:
"On Philip Goff’s case for agentive cosmopsychism" (2024) – International Journal for Philosophy of Religion
Co-authored with Kai Yan Chan
Critically examines Goff's argument for cosmopsychism
[DOI: 10.1007/s11153-024-09931-3]