Neil Colin Mickleborough

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.

Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Neil Mickleborough, a distinguished founding member of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), who left us on April 17, 2025. Professor Mickleborough was a leader in structural engineering and bridge design, a dedicated educator, and a beloved member of our community. 

Pioneering Contributions to Engineering Education and Research
As a founding faculty member at HKUST, Professor Mickleborough played a pivotal role in establishing the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His extensive academic career included serving as Director of the Center for Engineering Education Innovation, where he championed high-quality learning programs for students and faculty alike. Under his leadership, the center fostered a culture of excellence in teaching and assessment, significantly influencing engineering education at HKUST and beyond.
Professor Mickleborough was a prolific researcher, with over 100 publications, including influential books and journal articles on topics such as prestressed concrete design and structural dynamics. His work on the design of prestressed concrete has been widely recognized, including co-authoring the notable titles "Design of Prestressed Concrete to AS3600-2009" and "Design of Prestressed Concrete to Eurocode 2." His research not only advanced the field but also provided practical solutions to complex engineering challenges, contributing to infrastructure projects across Asia and internationally.

A Passionate Educator and Mentor
Professor Mickleborough's impact as an educator was profound. He taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Advanced Prestressed Concrete and Structural Vibration, inspiring countless students with his passion for engineering. He was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award from the School of Engineering at HKUST in recognition of his dedication to student learning and engagement. 
His commitment to student success was further exemplified through initiatives he developed, such as a mentoring system for approximately 750 undergraduate engineering students, emphasizing the importance of a supportive learning environment. Many of his former students attribute their success and passion for engineering to his guidance and mentorship.

Leadership and Professional Recognition
Throughout his career, Professor Mickleborough held numerous leadership positions, including Dean of Engineering at the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE and Deputy Dean at the Asian University of Science and Technology in Thailand. He was also an active member of various professional organizations, including being a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. His contributions to professional engineering education were recognized through his involvement in accreditation committees and advisory panels.

A Legacy of Integrity and Kindness
Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Professor Mickleborough was known for his integrity, kindness, and sense of humor. He was a mentor not only to students but also to faculty members, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere within the department. His warm demeanor and approachable nature made him a beloved figure at HKUST.

A Lasting Impact
The legacy of Professor Mickleborough is one of enduring impact. His contributions to engineering education, research, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on HKUST and the broader engineering community. His dedication to nurturing future engineers and his innovative spirit will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
We extend our deepest condolences to Professor Mickleborough's family, friends, and colleagues. While we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, we also celebrate his life and the profound impact he had on our lives and the world of engineering.
Professor Neil Mickleborough will be deeply missed, but his legacy of scholarship, teaching, and kindness will endure, guiding us as we strive for excellence in all that we do. Rest in peace, Professor Mickleborough. Your light will continue to illuminate our path.

Message from Mike TOWNLEY - Neil's lifelong mentor

You can use this additional text box to add more stories about your loved one, tell about the family, share information about the funeral service, etc.

Timeline

Gallery

Videos

Memory wall

April 16, 2026

Dear Neil,

It has been a year since you left us, and you have been dearly missed every single day. Above all the sadnesses and regrets, we hope you are resting in peace, and enjoying some good alcohol in the heaven.

With lotsa love,
Chung and parents

Chung

April 16, 2026

Time feels frozen since you left. 365 days pasted, the pain of loss often remains deep, yet memories of love, lessons, and laughter endure ...

Ben

April 12, 2026

May your soul rest in peace and love. Your lessons will live forever.

Sam

February 8, 2026

Neil, we've only met a few times, but the lasting impression you left on me is indelible. RIP my dear friend.

J Cheung

December 9, 2025

Thanks for your unforgetable 45min interview of my civil degree application 30 years ago.

Sam Chan

November 21, 2025

Neil,
I'm sad that I didn't have a chance to see you one more time before you left. Thanks for the moments that we shared. They will remain with me for the rest of my life.

P Lo

November 8, 2025

I can't believe you're not here in this world Neil, it is so hard to believe, you was like a sweet dream to me, a wonderful man in this world, you shared with me your secrets, your money, your thoughts, you shared With me your life for a few years, our friendship were a great thing happened in my life, Rest in peace Mr Neil Mickleborough.
اللهم اشمله برحمتك الواسعة وأدخله فسيح جنانك وتجاوز عن سيئاته يا رحمن يارحيم

Neil's friend

October 30, 2025

Dear Professor,

We miss you so much. Lucky that I was taught by you on prestressed concrete. Thank you for everything you taught us. You will always be missed. Rest in peace.

Will Tsang

October 1, 2025

Many of us connecting the dots with Neil as a family, a friend, a colleague or through academia.

We lost a tremendous person who has been well-known for his dedication to the university as a mentor/professor, a coach in atheletics, & a well-respected engineer.

More importantly, we lost the sense of humour and his 'serious looks' espeically through his alcohol choices that everyone would remember from his tenure.

As an academic, Neil inspired many of us as a mentor and role model, including myself, to achieve my PhD in Chemistry at The University of Sydney, Australia. He always encouraged if an opportunity is ready for you, go all the way to PhD and never underestimate your potential, which can be vouched for by many.

It was a coincidence ultimately connecting my dots to Civil Engineering for a client concrete application from a chemistry point of view, and his valuable information helped tremendously to a solution. Luckily, he didn't charge his consulting fee!

As a friend of Neil for over 26 years, he was always a good company and a caring individual. His dedication to paramedic and continuing to lecture at UTAS in Hobart even after retirement has proven that once an academic, one never retires! lol.

We all thank Neil for a remarkable career and will now be forever remembered through precious memories.

We will see the success of your dedicated Prof. Neil Mickleborough Memorial Fund to nurture the future engineers with your DNA and legacy.

Rest in peace. Enjoy the sunshine for a good old catch-up with your parents nearby, and will meet again very soon in Hobart to pay my personal tribute.

G'day mate from down under, my friend and our dearest beloved Neil

Koman xoxoxo

Dr K.M. Koman Tam

September 25, 2025

Neil, thank you for your tremendous contributions to CIVL, SENG and HKUST! May the Lord be with you and uplift your spirit to the heavenly realm!

Xiangru Zhang

September 20, 2025

Dear Prof. Neil,

Thank you for everything. The time in E2I with you was one of the best period of time during my undergraduate. I'll always remember your kindness and how much care you gave to everyone of us. RIP.

Ng Cheuk Hay

September 20, 2025

Dear Neil,
I will always remember your humor and words.
RIP.

C P Ko

September 20, 2025

I still hope that it’s one of your bad jokes. I even tried to text you hoping that you would reply…

I miss you much. Still remember the beer time we had in PG2 and in Sai Kung. Still remember your useful advices without which I could not become an engineer like I am today.

Rest in peace, my professor, my life mentor, my PG2 warden, my FYP supervisor and more importantly my best friend. Let’s catch up one day. Until then, please enjoy your beer and take care of yourself in the heaven, old man.

Trevor Chung

September 20, 2025

I was a graduate in the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in the Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering [1999] and Master of Science in Electronic Engineering [2007]. I still felt surprised, sadness and sorrow in hearing Prof. Neil Mickleborough's death in Tasmania though I had not yet met him before nor being one of his university students. It should be a great loss in the academic contributions to the research of Civil and Environmental Engineering discipline. The other alumni of the School of Engineering, especially who were taught in the lectures from the professor, would find the same mood of melochany. Now he was retired and rested in pease eternally. May God bless all his family members in the daily life.

Tsang Yuk Wah Francis

September 20, 2025

RIP, Neil, our path crossed when you were the Associate Dean PG. Though we did not work in the same team, your sense of humor and kindness made the office an enjoyable workplace. I remembered the ride on your rolls royce filled with fun and laughter. You are deeply remembered. May you rest in peace .

shirley

September 19, 2025

Dear Neil,
Thanks for opening the door of civil engineering for me. Your guidance to my final year project and the nomination of the Best Project Award was an encouragement to remind me keep improving my knowledge and giving back to the society.

Last time, I brought my family to visit you in Tasmania. I should have spent longer time with you and learnt from your piloting experience.

Nevermind, now you must be enjoying flying in the sky. And next time when I fly above Australia and look outside the window, remember to say hi.

Thanks for everything you taught us!!

Michael Leung

September 19, 2025

Rest In Peace, Coach.

Edgar Leung

September 19, 2025

In Loving Memory of Our Coach and Mentor

It is with a heavy heart that I write this, in remembrance of a remarkable man who was more than just a professor or an athletic coach to us — he was a mentor and, in many ways, really a life-coach.

I still vividly remember the hours he spent with us on the tracks of UST’s sports-ground — not because he had to, but because he truly cared. He was a true athlete too and gave us plans to improve. Under his guidance, we trained hard, we laughed harder, and we stood as a team on the track.

Everyone was free to join, even skipped training. In some occasions, just only you and me waited for others to begin. Your presence was the true blessing and support of our team.

One of the most meaningful memories I hold is our journey to the national athletics meet. We won nothing, but gained a lot. It wasn't just about competing — it was about learning to believe in ourselves, to push our limits, and to always strive for something greater.

Reading Tuesdays with Morrie reminded me so much of you. Just as Morrie was to Mitch, our coach was to me and anyone of the team — someone whose quiet wisdom and unwavering support left a lasting imprint on us.

To our coach — thank you for your time, your care, and your belief in us. Your teachings live on in every step we run. We were lucky to have had you as part of our journey.

You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.


Rest in peace, Coach. With all our love and gratitude.

Edward Tse

September 19, 2025

Rest in peace, Professor.🙏

Dr. Anthony, Cheuk-Tung. LAi

September 19, 2025

Neil's dedication to teaching and education has inspired many students and faculty members over the years. He will be dearly missed and remembered by us. May Neil rest in eternal peace.

Chris Leung

September 19, 2025

Neil, we met when you were the structural engineering professor, the warden of Hall V and the coach of athletic team in HKUST. Though long ago, I still vividly remember the cheerful moment we shared and your kindness in coaching. You will be missed. RIP.

Clive Lee

September 19, 2025

Dear Neil, thank you for being such an inspiring person in my life, RIP.

Andy Chow

September 19, 2025

Time is going too soon without chance to say goodbye to Dr Neil Colin.
He was the one, who interviewed me, let me join BEng in Civil & Structural at HKUST in 2000.
His kindness and love, during the interview I have never forgotten, would be never ended with time.

Chris Lam, Chi-Shing

September 19, 2025

Neil, thank you for all the teachings and guidances during my stay at E2I that nurtured me to pursue my goal and career.

Anthony Tsang

September 19, 2025

In October 1992, I set up a booth to recruit student athletes for HKUST's track team. Someone left me a hand written note about he may be a candidate for the coach role. That person was Neil Mickleborough. Since then we have worked together for a couple of years 1992-1994 to build the HKUST Track Team. If me and few HKUST schoolmates have initiated the founding the HKUST's Track and Field Club, Neil is the founding father.

We did not achieve a whole lot athletically for Neil's athletic standard. But we had a lot of fun and memorable moments together. At one point we have got some very good pieces that put HKUST Men's Track Team from being last in 1991 to be a runner up in 1994 for Hong Kong's Inter College Athletics Meet. But that did not last. HKUST's track team has not been doing particularly well in Hong Kong's inter collage league, which both Neil and me complain a bit each time we saw each other.

We sent probably the first Hong Kong university team to compete in China's International University Athletics Meet in 1993 in Zhejiang University, Hangzhou. I still remember me and him working on the essay to apply for some funding for the trip. We had so much fun travelling together even though it was China in the early 90s when the travelling experiences are not always comfortable and Neil has to be limited by our students' budget.

Neil was in his early 40's when we met. He could still run with us who were only 18-22 years old at the time.

Neil is very dedicated to his coaching role although the role is an extra curricular activity to his engineering faculty career. He has the highest attendance record in the team than anyone include our athletes. His coaching went beyond just athletes.

I fondly remember his mentoring for me all the way up the first couple years of my career: "have fun while working hard", "beer always beers", "run, don't jog", "don't give up when you think you are not doing well". We talked about almost everything. He is dedicated, smart, fun, always with a good sense of humor.

Johnson Leung

September 19, 2025

RIP Neil. We overlapped a bit when you were Hall V (then PG Hall II) warden and I was Hall III warden, before you were succeeded by another (clueless) faculty member. We didn't talk much, though your reputation among SAO colleagues was very good, notably on your care to students, and personally I found your presence and smile always lit everyone up. I was shocked and sad to learn of your passing away a few months ago and regretted not getting to know you better.

CK Tang

September 19, 2025

Neil. May the Lord be with you and uplift your spirit to the heavenly realm. Still with fond memories of the good old days

Matthew Yuen

September 19, 2025

Thanks for your Athletic and x country training. Making me in love for running.

Adrian Leung

September 18, 2025

Neil was more than just a great faculty member; he had a special way of making every conversation fun with his jokes and friendly attitude. Even if you just bumped into him in the hallway or shared a quick laugh, Neil made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
I’ll never forget our JEE trip to Guangzhou. Going with Neil was always fun, full of laughter, and support. He always knew how to encourage people and help us look on the bright side.
You will be missed but never forgotten.

Burgitta Ho

September 18, 2025

Neil has always been one of my role models. I joined SENG when he served as the Director of the Center for Engineering Education & Innovation (E2I), and I feel fortunate to have witnessed his innovative approach to advising and your genuine love for students.

His insightful ideas helped guide engineering students to prepare for their futures, inspiring them to aim high and soar. His humor and warm personality made it easy for both students and staff to approach him. In our conversations, he was always patient, addressing my concerns and encouraging me to embrace teaching and advising.

There are so many memories to cherish, but I particularly remember his recent (and last) visit to SENG. Despite his physical challenges, his brightness, sharpness, and passion shone through as always. His legacy in education and innovation will live on for years to come, and we will always remember him.

Marshal

August 25, 2025

I’ve been thinking a lot about my dear friend, Neil. For so many years, he was both a brilliant mentor and a wonderful friend. His passion for education wasn't just professional; it was deeply personal. He truly loved nurturing students, and his face would light up when he talked about inspiring the next generation.

I’ll always cherish the memory of his humor and the lively, unforgettable conversations we shared, often over a few beers. That warmth is something so many of us will miss. I remember a few years ago, a group of us went to visit him in Hobart, Tasmania. It was there, in his garage, that I got to see another side of his passion firsthand—he was actually building an airplane from scratch! It was a perfect reflection of his brilliant, curious mind.

Professionally, I came to know Neil best when he was Director of the Engineering Education Innovation Center and I was Associate Dean. I watched in awe as he made the transition from being a world-class civil engineer into a pioneer of education innovation. It was no small feat, but Neil did it with such incredible class and ease.

Together, we launched the airship design competition for orientation camp, an idea that took flight and eventually became a full course. And who could forget his groundbreaking course, “Engineering Solutions to Grand Challenges of the 21st Century”? It was a massive hit, exactly the kind of innovative thinking he brought to everything he did. He had a gift for building mentorship programs and was a tireless champion for new ideas in teaching.

Earlier this year, I invited him back to HKUST for a retreat, hoping to tap into his wisdom one more time to support our faculty. Even though he wasn't feeling well, he insisted on making the long journey to Hong Kong. That act meant the world to me; it showed just how much his heart was still with HKUST, even a decade into his retirement.

I didn’t know it then, but that was the last time I would see him. I’m so grateful for that final visit, and for all the years of friendship, laughter, and inspiration he gave so freely.

Neil will be dearly missed.

Hong Lo

April 24, 2025

I miss you

Ben Chan

Favorites