SKL of Emerging Infectious Diseases
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) State Key Laboratories were presented with plaques by the Ministry of Science and Technology today (25 August). The presentation ceremony was officiated by Mr Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology; Mr Zhou Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR (LOCPG); and Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR.
The newly established State Key Laboratory of Optical Quantum Materials, alongside four existing State Key Laboratories, cements HKU's position as the institution with the highest number of State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong. Details of HKU's State Key Laboratories are as follows:
SKL of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Established in 2005 within the HKSAR, the SKL of Emerging Infectious Diseases stands as the first facility of its kind, uniquely integrating monitoring and early warning systems, foundational and clinical research, and applied translational studies.
Director: Professor GUAN Yi
Chair of Emerging Viral Diseases, School of Public Health, HKUMed
Professor Kwok-yung YUEN
Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases and Chair of Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
SKL of Liver Research
The SKL of Liver Research bridges cutting-edge basic research with clinical practice to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease. By harnessing its expertise in foundational science and clinical management, the laboratory drives innovation and improves outcomes in liver health.
Director: Professor Irene NG Oi-lin
Loke Yew Professor in Pathology and Chair of Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
SKL of Synthetic Chemistry
The State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge basic and interdisciplinary research in sustainable green catalysis, precision synthesis, synthetic biology, and novel functional molecules. By advancing research in these cutting-edge areas, the laboratory is driving progress and development in advanced materials science and biomedicine in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Through its innovative research, the laboratory continues to achieve breakthroughs, serving the major needs of the country's "dual carbon" policy, as well as in life sciences, health sciences, and new drug research and development.
Director: Professor Chi-ming CHE
Zhou Guangzhao Professor in Natural Sciences and Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
SKL of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
The SKL of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is committed to advancing foundational research on metabolic chronic diseases and pioneering the development and clinical application of macromolecular therapeutics. Through its innovative work, the laboratory aims to address critical health challenges and improve patient outcomes.
Director: Professor XU Aimin
Rosie T T Young Professor in Endocrinology and Metabolism and Chair of Metabolic Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed
SKL of Optical Quantum Materials
The SKL of Optical Quantum Materials merges the fields of photonics and two-dimensional materials to pioneer advancements in quantum and metamaterials. With a focus on ultrafast processes and topological structures, the laboratory drives technological innovation and supports the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a hub for cutting-edge research.
Director: Professor Xiang ZHANG
President and Vice-Chancellor; Chair of Physics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science
On the same day, Mr Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology, led a delegation on a visit to HKU, accompanied by Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and Mr Ye Shuiqiu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The delegation held in-depth discussions with Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, along with the University's Senior Management team and the directors of HKU's State Key Laboratories. The delegation toured two of the SKLs, gaining insights into HKU's groundbreaking research and contributions to scientific advancement.
Professor Xiang Zhang expressed gratitude to the nation and the HKSAR Government for their support of scientific and technological research in Hong Kong, "Scientific and technological progress is deeply interconnected with the advancement of humanity. HKU is dedicated to nurturing research talent across diverse disciplines, not only by supporting our laboratories but also by spearheading fundamental research initiatives that align with national development strategies and address critical national needs. HKU remains committed in contributing to our city, our nation, and the global community."
