HKU co-hosts Public Symposium: "Innovating the Future: The Power of Stem Cells in Medicine and Biotechnology"
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) co-hosted the Public Symposium: "Innovating the Future: The Power of Stem Cells in Medicine and Biotechnology" on 10 June, preceding the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting, currently in session in Hong Kong from 11-14 June. The symposium served as a platform to engage the general public and aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists and biotechnologists. It explored the transformative potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine and biotechnology.
Co-chaired by Professor Kathryn Cheah, Emeritus Chair Professor of Biochemistry at HKU and Professor Rocky Tuan of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), the symposium featured speakers from HKU, CUHK, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, among other industry leaders and investors.
With over 400 pre-registrations and an average attendance of more than 200 participants, the symposium garnered strong interest from students, researchers, biotechnology-research companies and members of the public. Attendees gained insights into cutting-edge innovations and translational pathways, with expert perspectives on scientific development and commercialization. This unique opportunity allowed participants to engage with pioneers shaping the field, offering valuable career guidance and networking opportunities.
"The ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting in Hong Kong presents an unprecedent opportunity for fostering meeting of diverse minds from Asia, Oceania, the Americas and Europe that will inspire and engage stem cell researchers globally and seed international collaborations," said Professor Cheah, who also co-chaired the ISSCR 2025 Program Committee. "The symposium seeks to enhance the public's knowledge of the groundbreaking developments and prospects as well as potential real-world applications of stem cell research. We are especially encouraged to see that this event has inspired many young people, who expressed their desire to pursue biomedical research in the future. This underscores the importance of public engagement in nurturing the next generation of scientific talent."
Speaking at the discussions on the applications of stem cell research, Professor Stephanie Ma, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at HKU, addressed critical topics such as translation challenges, safety and risk mitigation, immune system interaction, ethical considerations, long-term efficacy, and interdisciplinary synergy. Professor Ma emphasised, "Translating stem cell research into real-world therapies requires not only scientific excellence but also a commitment to addressing safety, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By navigating these challenges thoughtfully, we can unlock the full potential of stem cell innovations to transform healthcare and improve lives globally."
The symposium discussions delved into critical topics, including stem cells as models of development and disease, applications of stem cell research in regeneration and therapies, disease mechanisms and precision medicine, and the journey from basic discovery to successful IPO.
