Professor Lee Chack-fan graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1968 with a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering ( first class honours ), and a Master degree in Engineering in 1970, followed by a PhD from the University of Western Ontario, Canada in 1972.  

Professor Lee worked on hydroelectric and nuclear power projects at Ontario Hydro, Canada, for some two decades, before returning to HKU in 1994.  He served sequentially as Chair Professor, Department Head, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at HKU, and then as Director of HKU SPACE, from 2008 until 2015.  He subsequently served as Chancellor, President and Vice Board Chair of the Hong Kong Chu Hai College.  He also continues his links with HKU as Director of the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole. 

He has published over 300 academic journal papers and over 20 books.  He is a recipient of 5 honorary Doctor of Science degrees, along with a University Honorary Fellowship from HKU.  He was a recipient of the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2005, Gold Bauhinia Star in 2013, and Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2024.  

He is the Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (1998), Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences (2001) and Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (2003).  

He has served as technical advisor for various hydropower projects (including the Three Gorges Project) and nuclear power projects in China and overseas. 

He developed the soil nailing technique to effectively mitigate landslide hazards in Hong Kong.