M.159/102 Amended Multi-disciplinary collaborative ... · 1 M.159/102 Amended ... gene targeting technology which has been established as a Core Facility in the Faculty of Medicine

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M.159/102 Amended

Multi-disciplinary collaborative research programmes [Total issued: 225 / Total returns:141 / Total respondents:91 (40%)]

I. CANCER, ALIMENTARY DISEASES AND LIVER DISEASES (32): (a) Cancer (24) No. Name Department Subject of the

programme Disciplines involved Strengths of the Programme Examples of grants Opportunities presented by this

programme 1 Prof LC Chan Pathology Mouse model of human

leukaemia � Pathology � Biochemistry � Molecular biology � Mouse & Human

Genomics

� Mouse models of human leukaemia provide an in vivo system for studying the pathogenesis of leukaemia. The mutant mice will be created through the use of state of the art transgenic & gene targeting technology which has been established as a Core Facility in the Faculty of Medicine & supported by the CERG. Members of the core facility, including Dr MH Sham, my co-team leader for the project, will share the group’s combined expertise including bioinformatics, molecular cloning, gene expression studies & genomic analysis to ensure success of the project

� RCG � The mouse model of leukaemia will provide us with unique opportunities to study the cellular & molecular pathways which lead to the development of human leukaemia. This will identify the key proteins/ substrates involved & provide a basis for the potential development of new drugs/ strategies for the treatment, monitoring & control of leukaemia

2 Dr ANY Cheung Pathology Gynaecological Oncology (Gestational trophoblastic disease), Research on

� Pathology � Obs & Gyn � Anatomy

� The Dept of Obs & Gyn, HKU, is the biggest referral center for the management of gestational trophoblastic tissue (GTD) with large volume of clinical data. The Dept of Pathology has large tissue bank for both frozen & paraffin embedded tissues of various types of GTD

� RGC � CRCG

� Being one of the largest management center & tissue bank for GTD in the world, this programme can be established as the regional center for the study of GTD with collaboration from mainland China & overseas. There is potential to attract public attention & funding

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No. Name Department Subject of the programme

Disciplines involved Strengths of the Programme Examples of grants Opportunities presented by this programme

3 Dr KM Chu Surgery Neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy for gastric cancer

� Surgery � Radiology � Pathology

--- � RGC � Gastric cancer remains the second most common cancer in the world. It is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in HK � Majority of patients with gastric

cancer present late. Results of surgical treatment for advanced gastric cancer is still unsatisfactory � Adjuvant chemotherapy has not

demonstrated consistent survival benefits � Potentially a new approach to

the management of this deadly disease

4 Dr US Khoo Pathology Genetic screening in breast & ovarian cancer

� Pathology � Gynaecology � Surgery � Clinical Oncology

� Technical expertise in mutation screening of the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes; multidisciplinary working group for Familial Breast & Ovarian cancer with the purpose of establishing a familial cancer registry & to offer genetic screening service for patients with strong family history. Collaboration with Mount Sinai Hosp, an established genetic screening center, serving the Ontario Familial Breast Cancer Registry

� Croucher Foundation Research Grant � CRCG

� Being the only multidisciplinary group for breast & ovarian genetic screening in Hong Kong, this programme can be established as the regional center to provide for genetic screening services in HK with potential to attract public attention & funding

5 Dr DLW Kwong Clinical Oncology

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

� Surgery � Pathology � Oncology � Dental Faculty � Psychiatry

--- --- � We have good clinical data for correlation with laboratory data. � Also, we have started IMRT for

NPC patient. � The currently most advanced

precision therapy for radiation treatment. � This opens up a lot of

opportunity for study on radiation-induced complications & their reduction

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6 Dr SY Leung Pathology Cancer – Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Programme

� Pathology � Medicine � Surgery � Radiation Oncology � Pharmacology � IMB

� Long-standing history of collaborative research in various aspects of gastrointestinal tract cancers

� RGC � Kadoorie Charitable

Foundation

� There are on-going projects that can lead to profound impacts in the understanding, diagnosis, prevention & treatment of cancers in the gastrointestinal tract, such as: Gene expression profiling of

gastric adenocarcinomas using cDNA microarray

Identification of genes responsible for resistance to chemotherapy in gastric cancer using cDNA microarray

Chemoprevention of gastric cancer

Identification of molecular pathways for genetic instability & susceptibility to early-onset colorectal cancer

Animal models of colorectal & gastric cancer development

7 Prof RHS Liang Medicine Cancer Genetics � Medicine � Surgery � Pathology

� International collaboration with CUHK & MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA

� Kadoorie Charitable Foundations

---

8 Prof HYS Ngan Obs & Gyn Gynaecological Oncology Research Group

� Obs & Gyn � Pathology � Clinical Oncology � Psychiatry

� The Oncology Division of the Dept of Obs & Gyn is a tertiary referral center for gynaecological cancers with a lot of clinical materials & long follow-up data � Both the Depts of Obs & Gyn

& Pathology keep fresh tissue bank of gynaecological cancers

� RGC � Michael & Betty

Kadoorie Cancer Fund � Vita Green Health

Products Co Ltd � CRCG

� The strength of contributing disciplines would promote high quality research, attract funding & facilitate public promotion

9 Dr JM Nicholls Pathology Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

� Diagnosis, Pathology --- � HK-France Joint Research Scheme

---

10 Prof J Wong Surgery Multi-disciplinary treatment for esophageal cancer

� Surgery � Clinical Oncology � Pathology

� The Dept of Surgery is recognized as one of the best centers internationally in the treatment of esophageal cancer. Multi-disciplinary clinical trials are conducted

--- � Chance to study clinical as well as pathological & molecular aspects of esophageal cancer

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11 Prof YC Wong Anatomy Cancer Research - Prostate & Breast Carcinogenesis

� Anatomy � Pathology � Surgery

� Mechanism of hormonal carcinogenesis, with special emphasis on prostate & breast cancers & to identify & characterize potential markers with diagnostic & prognostic values

� RGC � Identify crucial genes involved in carcinogenesis as well as identification of potential diagnostic & prognostic markers

12 Dr KM Yao Biochemistry Transcriptional regulation of cell cycle progression, cancer & development

� Molecular & cell biology � Cancer biology � Developmental biology

--- � RGC � CRCG

� Forkhead box (Fox) transcription factors within the M, N & O family were recently demonstrated to play an important role in cell cycle regulation & aging (1-5). Their function as master regulators of cell cycle regulatory genes like cyclins (1-3) & cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (6, Yao et al., unpublished data) suggests their possible involvement in the development of cancer that warrants further study. Recent studies also indicate regulation of Fox transcription factor function by multiple signaling pathway (3,4, Yao et al., unpublished data). Further analysis of Fox factor regulation by various developmental signaling pathways provides an ideal model to study how development interfaces with growth regulation at the cellular level

13 Dr ANY Cheung (2nd priority)

Pathology Gynaecological Oncology (Including Tumour Susceptibility Gene study; Excluding Gestational Trophoblastic Disease)

� Pathology � Obs & Gyn � Clinical Oncology

� The Dept of Obs & Gyn, HKU, is the biggest referral center for the management of gynaecological cancers with large volume of clinical data. The Dept of Pathology has large tissue bank for both frozen and paraffin embedded tissues of cancers,

� CRCG � With the availability of multidisciplinary expertise and large volume of tissue bank and clinical data, this programme can be established as the regional center for the study of gynaecological cancers with collaboration from mainland China and overseas. There is

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especially that from the endometrium and ovary

big potential to attract public attention and funding

14 Dr KM Chu (2nd priority)

Surgery Molecular biology of gastric cancer

� Surgery � Pathology

--- � RGC � Gastric cancer remains the second most common cancer in the world. It is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in HK � Breakthrough in the

understanding of the molecular biology of gastric cancer � Earlier diagnosis of the disease � Development of novel therapy

for the disease 15 Dr US Khoo

(2nd priority) Pathology Gynaecological Oncology

(Including Tumour Susceptibility Gene study; Excluding Gestational Trophoblastic Disease)

� Ditto � Ditto � Ditto � Ditto

16 Prof HYS Ngan (2nd priority)

Obs & Gyn Genetic screening of cancers

� Obs & Gyn � Pathology � Clinical Oncology � Surgery � Clinical genetic service

� The Oncology Division of the Dept of Obs & Gyn is a tertiary referral center for gynaecological cancers with a lot of clinical materials and long follow-up data � Technqiue for genetic

screening already developed in Dept of Pathology. Collaborative link already established with clinical genetic service

--- � The strength of contributing disciplines would promote high quality research, attract funding and facilitate public promotion

17 Dr US Khoo (3rd priority)

Pathology Gynaecological Oncology (Gestational trophoblastic disease)

� Pathology � Obs & Gyn � Anatomy

� The Dept of Obs & Gyn, HKU, is the biggest referral center for the management of gestational trophoblastic tissue (GTD) with large volume of clinical data. The Dept of Pathology has large tissue bank for both frozen and paraffin embedded tissues of various types of GTD

� RGC � CRCG

� Being one of the largest management center and tissue bank for GTD in the world, this programme can be established as the regional center for the study of GTD with collaboration from mainland China and overseas. There is potential to attract public attention and funding

18 Dr DLW Kwong (3rd priority)

Clinical Oncology

Paediatric Oncology � Paediatrics � Oncology

--- --- ---

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� Surgery � Diagnostic Radiology

19 Dr ANY Cheung (4th priority)

Pathology Cytogenetic analysis of tumours

� Pathology � Obs & Gyn � Paediatrics � Surgery

� Technical expertise in chromosome in situ hybridization, comparative genomic hybridization and molecular cytogenetics. Collection of commonly used chromosome specific probes

� CRCG � Facilitate multidisciplinary research in this field

20 Dr SSC Chan (Interested)

Nursing Studies

Cancer Prevention � Nursing � Community Medicine � ? Clinical Oncology � ? Chinese Medicine

� New area in The U of HK, Faculty of Medicine – it seems that there is not a lot of emphasis at present but it is an extremely important area

� Not yet � To develop a Cancer Prevention Centre in the Faculty of Medicine, The U of HK

21 Dr ALM Cheung (Interested)

Anatomy Cell and Cancer Biology --- --- NA � Seminars � Conferences

22 Dr XY Guan (Interested)

Clinical Oncology

Cytogenetic & molecular studies of ovarian cancer

� Cancer Research Centre � I have studied HCC for more than 9 years. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), chromosome microdissection, tissue microarray, hybrid selection, & other molecular methods have been used to study the recurrent chromosomal alterations & corresponding genes involving in the development & progression of ovarian cancer

� Leung Kwok Tze Research Fund

---

23 Dr PL Khong (Interested)

Diagnostic Radiology

Cancer research (Paediatrics)

� Oncology � Surgery � Paediatrics � Diagnostic Radiology, etc

--- --- ---

24 Dr MP Wong (Interested)

Pathology Cancer Research – Lung Cancer Research

� Pathology � Medicine � Surgery

--- --- ---

(b) Alimentary Diseases (3) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Prof CH Cho Pharmacology CARE, research on � Inflammation & cancer in � This leads to more than 10 � A research grant � Regular group research

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disorders in the gastrointestinal tract

the gastrointestinal tract publications in collaborative research in the year 2001 between different Depts like Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology & Physiology

pending in 2002 between Depts of Pathology, Pharmacology & Medicine

meetings, exchange ideas, possible collaborations within the group, joint grant application & look for external resources as a group

2 Dr DLW Kwong (2nd priority)

Clinical Oncology

Cytogenetic study on Ca esophagus

� Surgery � Pathology � Anatomy � Oncology

--- --- � International collaboration: currently Prof LD Wong (China) & Prof CS Yang (USA) are interested in collaborative research

3 Dr Park Ng

(2nd priority) Microbiology Bacterial translocation in

the gut � Surgery � Surgery, QMH

� Necrotizing enterocolitis of neonates is one of the highest causes of mortality � Pathogenesis is unknown � We have initially established a rat model to study microbial and physiological parameters leading to this disease

� None as yet. Planning for RGC

� Related work using similar approaches to study diseases or surgical complications linked to bacterial translocation from the gut

(c) Liver Diseases (5) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Dr ST Cheung Surgery Study of Liver Diseases � Surgery

� Pathology � Medicine etc


� Joint effort of expertise

2 Prof ST Fan Surgery Liver diseases � Surgery � Medicine � Pathology


---

3 Dr XY Guan Clinical Oncology

Cytogenetic & molecular studies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

� Centre for the Study of Liver Disease (CSLD)

I have studied HCC for more than 5 years. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), establishment of metastatic HCC cell lines, chromosome microdissection, tissue microarray, cDNA subtraction, & other molecular methods have been used to study the recurrent chromosomal alterations & corresponding genes involving in the HCC development & progression

� RGC � Leung Kwok Tze

Research Fund

---

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4 Dr IOL Ng Pathology Liver diseases (molecular genetics/pathology of liver cancer; hepatitis & transplantation)

� Pathology � Surgery � Medicine � Clinical Oncology � Biochemistry � IMB

� A truly multidisciplinary effort � Good expertise in various

specialties � Committed group to perform good research & to publish

� RGC ---

5 Dr Park Ng (5th priority)

Microbiology Viral Hepatitis in Hong Kong

� Special Preventive Programme, Dept Health, HKSAR � The Centre for Clinical

Trials and Epidemiological Research, CUHK

� A large (5000 for epidemiological data: 1000 serological samples) and truly randomized sample selection from the > 18 yrs HK population already obtained which should give a clear picture of different viral hepatitis infection/immunity in HK. This will be invaluable in assessing public health needs, further epidemiological studies and formulating future strategies on the control of these infections � Further work to obtain samples from the 0-18 yrs population underway

� Dept Health internal funding

� The extensive data generated from this research programme is a first in HK. � Further Public Health

epidemiological data can be generated from these samples whether for viral hepatitis or other infectious diseases

II. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES, DIABETES, AGEING, CHINESE MEDICINE AND CLINICAL TRIALS (18) (a) Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (12) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Dr HJ Ballard Physiology Hypoxia & Ischaemia � A research collaboration

organized by The Institute of Cardiovascular Science & Medicine & recently extended to include members of the Centre of Endocrinology & Diabetes

� A multi-disciplinary programme involving scientists & clinicians � Collaboration extended to ICSM members in other institutions � Scope includes: systemic hypoxia – effects on many tissues � Ischaemia – particularly heart & brain

� RGC � Many of the mechanisms in hypoxia or ischaemia are common to more than 1 organ system: This collaboration brings together many worker in the field on a regular basis for discussion/presentation of research findings, etc. This arrangement is highly conducive to the development of further collaborations among

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� Ischaemic & hypoxic preconditioning, myocardial protection

our group, & beneficial in that we can get the input from other experts in the field in the planning & interpretation of experiments

2 Dr SSM Chung IMB Diabetes & cardiovascular diseases

� Diabetes � Diabetic complications � Hypertension, obesity � Stroke � Heart disease

endocrinology etc

� Diabetes & insulin resistance are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Closer collaboration between diabetes & cardiovascular research groups is highly desirable. This group includes clinical scientists, physiologists, cell biologists, geneticists, & molecular biologist. The diverse expertise of these scientists greatly complements each other

� RGC � Interdisciplinary approach to solve problems in diabetes & cardiovascular diseases

3 Dr ML Fung Physiology � Heart & Brain ischaemia � ischaemic or hypoxic

preconditioning � cardioprotection acute & chronic systemic hypoxia

� Cardiovascular sciences � Neuroscience � Respiration � Cell & molecular

physiology

� My research projects mainly concern the cellular & molecular changes underlying the physiological responses to acute & chronic hypoxia. Studies have been using animal models & in-vitro preparations to measure physiological parameters, e.g. nerve impulse, membrane current, cytosolic calcium, NO concentration etc., & to correlate the physiological events with molecular changes measured by molecular techniques, e.g. immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, etc

� RGC � Hypoxia is one of the major factors underlying pathophysiological events in diseases & clinical situations. Hence the programme will provide a collaborative base for the ongoing activities in my lab & others, particularly in the clinical departments

4 Prof KSL Lam Medicine Diabetes & related cardiovascular risk factors

� Medicine – endocrinology, cardiology, clinical pharmacology, molecular medicine � Community Medicine � IMB

� Importance of the programme – Cardiovascular diseases (coronary artery disease & stroke) rank among the top causes of death in HK. Diabetes affects one in

� RGC � HK Heart Health Committee � HSRC

� This programme will allow HKU to take a lead in striving for breakthroughs in the prevention & treatment of these related & important diseases

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� Paediatrics � Clinical Biochemistry � Pharmacology � Biochemistry

10 adults locally & is present in over 1/3 of patients with cardiovascular diseases. It is also the underlying cause in 1/3 of the new cases of end-stage renal failure in HK. Diabetes is closely related through insulin resistance to obesity, esp central obesity, hypertension & dyslipidaemia. These cardiovascular risk factors often occur together & lead to accelerated atherosclerosis � Within the Faculty, there is

expertise in the above depts., with very good record of clinical, epidemiological, genetic molecular & cellular research on various aspects of this programme

5 Prof CP Lau Medicine Cardiovascular &

Diabetes Medicine � ICSM � Diabetic Centre � Involve clinicians, nursing,

nuclear medicine, epidermology, pharmacology & physiology

� Epidermology / genetics of CVS risk factors � Hypoxia / Reperfusion of

myocardial & cerebral perfusion � Cell therapy for DM & heart

disease � Atherosclerosis,

inflammation & thrombosis � Ventricular function & arrhythmia

--- ---

6 Prof RYK Man Pharmacology Institute of Cardiovascular Science & Medicine

� Cardiovascular pharmacology

--- --- � We have regular meetings of the Institute plus annual meeting (in its fifth year already). These meetings serve to strengthen interactions & increase collaboration. We have also initiated a fund raising program. A homocysteine assay developed by us is offered through the Institute to provide

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service to patient care & to generate revenue

7 Dr HP Sheng Physiology Centre of Endocrinology & Diabetes

� Growth --- N/A � Collaboration � Seminar � Workshops � Conferences

8 Prof F Tang Physiology Cardiovascular risk factors

� Physiology � Medicine � Pharmacology (maybe)

� To study the levels of vasoactive peptides & their mRNA (& receptor binding), particularly adrenomedullin, in STZ-diabeteic rats � It is an on-going project. We

have completed a study on ANP & ET & published in good journals. Adrenomedullin is new, & is an important peptide to look at

� CRCG � Clinical relevance � Collaboration between

pre-clinical & clinical depts, application for funding support

9 Prof TM Wong Physiology Cardiovascular & diabetes medicine programme

� Medicine � Paediatrics � Pharmacology � Physiology � Molecular Biology

� There is a group of researchers working on similar fields with good track records. These workers have developed good working relationship via the activities of Institutes, but are not able to develop full collaboration due to lack of support. With more support they should be able to develop collaborative research

� RGC � SY Yee Foundation

� Promising research programmes namely Cardiovascular risk factors, hypoxia/ischemia, stem cell transplantation, atherosclerosis & myocardial function. There is enough expertise for these programmes

10 Prof F Tang (2nd priority)

Physiology Atherosclerosis, inflammation & thrombosis - Atherosclerosis;

inflammation (particularly C-reactive protein) in atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke; role of statins as a therapy

� Physiology � Medicine

� On-going collaboration between clinical (Dr Bernard MY Cheung, Medicine) and preclinical departments; already got some interesting results: increase in adrenomedullin in plasma, thoracic aorta, mesenteric artery at 1-12 hr after LPS, and increase in adrenomedullin and its mRNA in the lung at 3-12 hr after LPS; also increase in

� RGC � More inter-departmental collaboration and application for funding

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blood cytokines 11 Prof RYK Man

(3rd priority) Pharmacology Endocrinology &

Metabolism Centre � Cardiovascular

pharmacology --- --- � The Institute of Cardiovascular

Science & Medicine, and the Centre for Endocrinology & Metabolism plan to have joint research program to further promote cross discipline collaboration and research

12 Dr JP Bourreau (Interested)

Physiology Heart, Stroke & Diabetes Foundation – Myocardial Function (arrhythmia & heart failure)

� Clinical & basic --- --- � Potential for integration between basic and medical discipline � Existence of a critical mass in

the field (b) Ageing (4) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Prof AWC Kung Medicine Age-Related Research:

Hormones & Ageing � Anatomy � Medicine � Gynaecology � Physiology � School of CM � Nuclear Medicine � Pharmacology � Clinical Biochemistry

Unit, QMH Collaborative research are currently underway or will be started in the following areas of age-related research: � Neuroendocrine changes

of ageing � Bone loss and

Osteoporosis � Menopause � Andropause

� The Medical Faculty has a long history of high quality research & service in endocrinology, & ranks among the best endocrine centers in the Asian-Pacific Region. Our clinical investigators also have vast experience & reputation in conducting multicentre randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials � Multi-disciplinary collaboration research in endocrinology & age-related research has been well established, esp after the inauguration of the Centre of Endocrinology & Diabetes in 1998 � International Collaboration has been established with overseas renowned center: e.g. Columbia University, New York (Osteoporosis),

� RGC � SK Yee Medical

Foundation � CRCG � Contract Research

Grants from Pharmaceutical Co � Donations for

Osteoporosis Research

Budget Requests: � Seeding funds � RAP/PDF matching

funds � PGS for each study � Core facilities –

Equipment & Space

Short Term Goals & Deliverables within 1 to 3 years: � To achieve the objectives of the

phase I proposed studies Intermediate Goals within 3 to 5 years: � To achieve the objectives of the

phase II proposed studies Long Term Goals: � To define strategies & measures

for health prevention in ageing in HK � Biotechnological: to develop

TCM & new drugs, including health food items, for treating menopause, andropause & osteoporosis & other ageing related functional & bodily changes � To establish international

collaborations & attract industrial support clinical trials � To excel as one of the world’s

famous center for age-related research

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UCLA (Andropause) 2 Prof AWC Kung Medicine Osteoporosis � Medicine (Div of

Endocrinology & Geriatrics) � Orthopaedics &

Traumatology � Gynaecology � IMB

� The group has been established for 2 years � Members included Prof GWK Tang, Prof KDK Luk, Dr LW Chiu, Dr SK Chung & Prof AWC Kung � Apart from clinical research on osteoporosis, the group is currently pursuing the direction to study the genetic factors affecting peak bone mass

� SK Yee Medical Foundation � Merck Research

Fund, USA � Eli Lily & Company � RGC Grant submitted

� True multi-disciplinary collaborative team � Research in human genetics &

anti-aging is the direction of the Faculty � Vast supply of clinical materials

3 Dr WW Lu Orthopaedic Surgery

Osteoporotic Fractures � Orthopaedics � Biochemistry � Medicine � Pharmacology

� We have developed & patented a novel injectable bone cement, which is mainly composed of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) filler. The Sr-HA cement is a bioactive cement that is rapid-setting & immediately load-bearing. Therefore, the Sr-HA cement has potential application in the field of spinal surgery in the form of direct injection into the osteoporotic fractures or vertebral body augmentation. Current laboratory & ecologic studies mainly focus on the effect of intake strontium containing drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis. Less has been studied in treatment of osteoporosis caused fractures by direct inject strontium containing bioactive bone cement

� Private fund � Our data from in vitro & in vivo studies with Sr-HA cement show promising results morphologically, biomechanically, & with good initial biocompatibility. The biomaterials may prove to be a useful bone substitute in the field of orthopaedic surgery, especially for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, & also used as materials for drug delivery etc

4 Prof GWK Tang Obs & Gyn Hormone, Chinese medicine & menopause

� Gynaecology � Clinical Psychology � Nuclear Medicine � Chinese Medicine

2 components in this programme: i. The use of hormone & to

validate its effects by

--- � Academic: To define the best preparation for health promotion in menopause � Biotechnological: Production of

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� Pharmacology neuroimaging & psychological tests;

ii. The use of Chinese medicine & its effects on bone markers & lipid, as well as on menopausal symptoms.

The goal for (ii) is to find a preparation that has the effects of conventional HRT, & that which has been used by the population

a CM preparation for the market

(c) Chinese Medicine (2) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Prof RYK Man

(2nd priority) Pharmacology Chinese medicine � Chinese medicine &

Pharmacology --- --- � Small amount of funds are

available for seed funding on Chinese medicine research. There are also meetings, seminars and research activities organized to promote Chinese medicine research

2 Prof KF So (2nd priority)

Anatomy Chinese Medicine � Chinese Medicine � Neuroscience � Cardiovascular science � Cancer biology � Molecular biology � Immunology � Chemistry � Pharmacology & others

� Many staff in the faculty are interested in this new development of the faculty

--- � Fits in well with the vision of the faculty to establish a Centre of CAM � Possible new funding from

outside sources such as Jockey Club

III. GENOMICS (7) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Dr RMW Chau Anatomy Proteomics on Protein

Structure & Function � Biochemistry � Bioinformatics � Molecular Biology � Computer Science � Chemistry � Physics � Medicine � Pathology

NA --- � Interested by international organisation & pharmaceutical companies as well as by international & national students

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� Neuroscience � Cell Biology � Mathematics � Cardiovascular Biology � Pharmacology � Pharmacy � Drug-Design

2 Prof A Danchin HKU-Pasteur RC

Genomics – Applied genomics

� Bacteriology � Molecular Genetics � Computer Sciences � Mathematics

� BACELL Network (European Union) � European Science Foundation (Expression profiling & large scale approaches)

� BACELL � ESF

� Introduction of large scale genomics

3 Prof YL Lau Paediatrics Susceptibility genes & immunopathogenesis in locally prevalent autoimmune & infectious diseases

� Paediatrics, HKU � Medicine, HKU � Pathology, HKU � Statistics/Acturial Science,

HKU � Dept of Health, HKSAR � Shanghai 2nd Medical

School � Chinese National Human

Genome Centre at Shanghai

This programme aims to define the susceptibility genes in locally-prevalent autoimmune & infectious diseases in China, e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis & hepatitis B infection. This in turn will shed light on the pathogenesis & treatment approach

� CRCG � RGC

� This programme presents the opportunity to bring together investigators from several depts. of HKU & our Shanghai co-investigators in a structured programme, to (a) investigate the genetic basis of complex diseases prevalent in Chinese & (b) contribute to the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of these diseases

4 Dr RR Xu

IMB Oral gene therapy - A novel vector system for human gene therapy & industrial application

� Gene therapy --- � ITF grant application has been submitted

� To establish the 1st Gene Therapy Centre in HKU & the Great Chinese Region

5 Dr SY Chan (Interested)

Paediatrics Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics/Proteomics in Development and Diseases

� Paediatrics � Surgery � Orthopaedic Surgery � Biochemistry � Molecular Biology � Transgenesis


� High throughput analysis of protein/protein interactions and modification � Training of staff and students in

a wide range of skills of high demand

6 Dr Ronald YL Chen (Interested)

Psychiatry Behavioural Genetics (proposed)

� Psychiatry � Psychology � Molecular Biology � Biochemistry � Neuroscience

� Such program has not been formed yet

--- � Genetic basis on complex traits is more and more important nowadays and more achievable in view of the advance in molecular biology and statistical modeling. � Psychiatric diseases and the

associated behavioural phenotypes cause a significant

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morbidity in the society. � It is the right time for our

University to pay more effort and organize a comprehensive program for research activities in this area

7 Dr XY Guan (Interested)

Clinical Oncology

Generation of multi-color FISH probes

� Center of Genome Research

� I have developed & applied chromosome microdissection technique for more than 10 years. This powerful technique has been applied to generate chromosome specific FISH probes & to study chromosomal rearrangements in cancer & genetic diseases

� NSFC/RGC ---

IV. INFECTIOUS DISEASES, IMMUNOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH (55) (a) Infectious Diseases (24) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1-3 Dr SS Chiu

Prof YL Lau (2nd priority) Prof JSM Peiris (2nd priority)

Paediatrics Microbiology

Childhood Respiratory Pathogens

� Paediatrics, HKU � Microbiology, HKU � HA, HKSAR � Dept of Health, HKSAR � Pediatrics, Children’s

Hosp, Chongqing U of Medical Sciences � Paediatrics, Beijing

Children’s Hosp

This programme aims to study the epidemiology, pathogenesis as well as the improvement of diagnosis of pathogens that cause respiratory infections in children. The three main categories of pathogens are: i) viruses, in particular

influenzavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) & the newly discovered human metapneumovirus

ii) bacteria, namely Streptococcus pneumoniae, &

iii) mycobacteria

� RGC � CRCG � HSRF

� This multidisciplinary, multicentre programme presents the opportunity to bring together investigators with different expertise to study respiratory pathogens that have enormous impact on children. With expertise from the fields of microbiology to immunology to infectious disease, this programme has the capability to do research that covers the full spectrum of disease from clinical aspects & epidemiology of respiratory infections to basic pathogenesis & immune response. With collaboration from Beijing & Chongqing, this programme has the potential to compare the impact of these

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pathogens in HK & major cities in mainland China

4-12 Dr Y Guan Prof JSM Peiris Dr Leo LM Poon Prof KF Shortridge Dr SS Chiu (2nd priority) Dr JM Nicholls (2nd priority) Prof KY Yuen (2nd priority) Prof YL Lau (3rd priority) Dr CM Wong (interested)

Microbiology Paediatrics Pathology Paediatrics Community Medicine

Influenza: Pandemic preparedness, disease burden, pathogenesis & vaccine development (This program is a partner-program with & complementary to the “Emerging & Infectious Diseases” & Childhood Respiratory Pathogens” programs, submitted separately)

� Microbiology � Paediatrics � Pathology � Community Medicine � Biochemistry &

Chemistry, CityU

� The current program is internationally recognized & funded & has made major advances in the understanding of the ecology & epidemiology of animal influenza viruses as it pertains to understanding the emergence of pandemic human influenza viruses. Current research focuses on understanding the molecular basis of inter-species transmission between animals & humans & the pathogenesis of influenza in humans � Recently, a Joint

HKU-SUMC Influenza Research Center was inaugurated with the participation & support of the WHO at the Shantou University Medical College, China. In addition to the generation of “high impact” research publications, its members serve on advisory committees to the government of the HKSAR on matters pertaining to public health & as advisor / consultant to the WHO

� National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (USA) � The Wellcome Trust Grant (UK) � WHO (Geneva) � RGC

� To consolidate HKU’s established international reputation for research on animal influenza & pandemic preparedness & to extend it to encompass a) clinical, epidemiological &

pathogenetic studies on human influenza, as well as

b) investigate basic virology, cell biology & immunology pertaining to the development of novel vaccine strategies.

It has a proven track record, & an even greater future potential, for “high impact” research

13 Dr PL Ho Microbiology Emerging infectious diseases & antimicrobial resistance program – Emerging antimicrobial resistance

� Clinical Microbiology � Medicine � Paediatrics � Surgery � Orthopaedic Surgery � Community Medicine � Chemistry � Currently involved in an

--- � ISF � CRCG � RGC � HSRC � HKTS � Grants from pharmaceutical companies

� Research meetings, � Idea exchange � Joint grant application � Core facility � Core techniques � Database � Strain collection

18



ongoing program 14 Dr SWK Im Microbiology Emerging (&

re-emerging) infectious diseases programme: studies on HIV/AIDS & hepatitis E

� Microbiology � Dept of Health

--- � ISF � Council for the AIDS Trust Fund

---

15 Dr Susanna KP Lau

Microbiology Emerging & re-emerging infectious diseases

� Infectious diseases � Microbiology

� Anticipating, preventing & tackling emerging & re-emerging infectious diseases in a worldwide dimension

� CRCG � As a world leader in the field of ‘Emerging Infectious Diseases’, including novel bacterial infections, streptococcal infections, Campylobacter infections in BMT patients etc.

16 Dr Park Ng

Microbiology Study of lipopolysaccharides of enteric Salmonella & Shigella using broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies

� Microbiology � Food & Agri-food Canada � Animal & plant Quarantine

Bureau, PRC

� Basic scientific research into phylogenics of these related enteric pathogens, occurrence of atypical strains, & possible new diagnostics

� CRCG � Alternative anti-microbial treatments targeting LPS such as phage therapy or vaccination will benefit from information generated from this line of research. Furthermore, more downstream research into diagnostics is planned in the next phase

17 Dr PCY Woo Microbiology Emerging infectious diseases

� Infectious disease & microbiology

--- � AIDS Trust Fund � CRCG

� Research meeting, grant applications, etc

18 Dr SSY Wong Microbiology Emerging & re-emerging infectious diseases

� Microbiology & infectious diseases

--- � CRCG � Infectious diseases have always been a major health problem in all parts of the world. Throughout the history of Hong Kong, there have been numerous infectious diseases emerging & re-emerging. Being a major metropolitan city in the world & the gateway to China, HK must take an active & leading role in the surveillance & management of diseases caused by important pathogens. Our work must especially be concentrated on locally unique & important pathogens. This enables us to compete with researchers from other parts of the world & be more successful in obtaining

19



grants & fundings 19 Dr WC Yam Microbiology Emerging infectious

diseases & antimicrobial resistance program – Emerging Pathogens & antimicrobial resistance

� Clinical Microbiology � Paediatrics � Dept of Health, HK

--- � CRCG � RGC � HSRC � AIDS Trust Fund � Grants from pharmaceutical companies

� Ditto

20 Prof KY Yuen Microbiology Emerging infectious diseases

� Infectious disease & microbiology

--- � RGC � AIDS Trust Fund

� Research meetings, grant applications, etc

21 Dr BJ Zheng Microbiology Immunotherapy of Chronic Viral Infection & Related Cancer (This program is a partner-program with & complementary to the “Emerging & Infectious Diseases” & Cancer Research”

� Microbiology � Paediatrics � Pathology � Clinical Oncology � Biochemistry � Integrated Treatment

Centre, Dept of Health, HK � Dept of Molecular

Virology, Medical Center of Fudan U, Shanghai

� Current research program focuses on understand the roles of αβ-, γδ T cells & APC. It is expected to yield comprehensive information about immune surveillance against chronic viral infection & the related cancer & provide the rational base to guide development of immune intervention & formulation of of strategies to control of these diseases

� RGC � Council for the AIDS Trust Fund � CRCG

� This multidisciplinary programme presents the opportunity to establish a research system for immune therapy of chronic viral infection & cancer

22 Dr Park Ng (3rd priority)

Microbiology Biosensor for Salmonella � Chemistry � Chemistry, Hunan U, PRC

� Development of an innovative and rapid method to detect important pathogens from food, environmental and clinical samples

� RGC � Can be extended to a range of other organisms

23 Dr Park Ng (4th priority)

Microbiology Use of a low cost Ozone generating unit to control microbial parameters of the built environment (air and water)

� Mechanical Engineering � Nature & Technologies

(HK) Ltd

� Strong back-up from Mech Eng with Building Services expertise as well as industrial support. Moreover, the programme aims to provide solution to the control of infectious diseases contracted from the environment such as Legionnaires Disease and other respiratory infections, viral Hepatitis A, Vibrio cholera and other waterborne infections

� None as yet. Planning for ITF

� Work relating to IAQ and water quality are designed into the programme. � These should give valuable

local data on environmental microbiology, which is critical for local strategic health policies � May further involve Dept of

Health, HKSAR; Dept of Chemistry, HKU and Dept of Community Med, HKU once the programme gets off the ground

20



24 Dr ASY Lau (Interested)

Paediatrics A)Influenza immunopathogenesis & vaccine development

B) HIV pathogenesis & immunotherapy

A) Microbiology Paediatrics Dept of Health B) Microbiology Paediatrics Cleveland

Clinic-Cancer Biology

--- � CRCG � RGC � HKU Foundation

Grant � AIDS Trust Fund

Grant (In planning)

� Advancement of knowledge in viral immunology � Improvement of health care for

influenza & AIDS treatment � Development of Intellectual

properties: vaccines & immunotherapy

(b) Immunology (6) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Dr Alan KS

Chiang Paediatrics Immunology Programme � Pathology

� Microbiology � Paediatrics � Surgery � Medicine

� Composition of both clinicians & scientists � Established regular academic meetings � Rich variety of research interests on different aspects of immunology

� CRCG � Development of tumor immunology within the immunology programme based on both basic & clinical research

2 Dr DA Higgins Pathology Immunology � Medicine � Microbiology � Paediatrics � Pathology � Surgery

� Several Depts, numerous individuals � Interdepartmental collaboration � Sharing of reagents & equipment � Regular meetings

� RGC � CRCG � Industry

� Collaboration, sharing, potential for conferences (e.g. Croucher ASI), mutual grant applications; ultimately maturation to unit/center status

3 Dr FP Huang Pathology Dendritic Cell-based Immunotherapies

� Immunology � Pathology � Surgery � Medicine

� On going projects (below) in collaborations with different depts. (HKU), & with U of Oxford (Grants of RGC & CRCG) � A new RGC proposal has been submitted recently

� RGC � CRCG

� Basic Sciences/clinical applications: Cutting edge Immunology, potential findings will be important in the understanding of fundamental mechanisms for immunity against infectious diseases, tumor transplantation, & autoimmune diseases

4 Dr L Lu Pathology Immunology --- � Enhance the dynamic research activities & collaborations among various pre-clinical & clinical departments

--- ---

5 Prof PKH Tam Surgery Transplantation Immunology

� Surgery � Pathology � Paediatrics

� Multidisciplinary group started in 2000 � Quarterly research seminar

� RGC � Interaction of clinicians & basic scientists � Growing expertise in Faculty (1

21



� Medicine � International experts’ visits & ongoing collaboration

Associate Prof, 3 Assistant Profs, several PDFs recruited in past 2 years)

6 Dr Adrian Wu Medicine Immunology � Allergy (Medicine & ENT) � Respiratory medicine

(Medicine & Paediatrics) � Pathology � Microbiology

� New program � RGC grant application has been submitted

---

(c) Public Health (25) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1-2 Dr Raymond CK

Chan Dr Eric YH Chen

Psychiatry Psychosis Disorder Studies & Intervention Programme (PSI Programme)

� Psychiatrists � Neuropsychologists � Clinical Psychologists � Social Workers � Nurses � Family Medicine

� The programme has extensive networking locally & internationally. Initial data from our study has facilitated the development of an territory wide Early Intervention service for psychosis in HK

� CRCG � Industry � International

Research Programme for Traditional & Chinese herbal medicine � RGC � Research Initiation

Fund � An Earmarked

Research Grant for 2002-2003 has been submitted

This service presents important research questions & opportunities: � To provide optimal

evidence-based care for patients with psychosis, particularly in early stage of the illness � To provide a window for

integrating different medical disciplines in understanding of the neurobiological, cognitive, experiential, pschosocial, familial issues relating to the disorders to patients, professionals & public � To contribute phase specific

data towards psychotic disorders & their interventions locally & internationally � To integrate clinical service

with research into the patterns & needs of local patient population

3 Dr SSC Chan Nursing Studies A randomize control trial on nurses’ smoking cessation interventions to cardiac patients

� Nursing � Community Medicine � Medicine

� 1st research project of its kind in HK � Further scopes of research

have been / can be developed from this project � Excellent potential for

development because this is an under researched area in

� RGC � HSRC

� Academically – opportunities to produce publications in international referred journals � Professionally – opportunities

to expand & strengthen nurses’ role in smoking cessation esp. in cardiac units, so as to improve clinical practice

22



HK 4 Prof AJ Hedley Community

Medicine Air pollution, health & health care utilization

� Public health medicine � Biostatistics � Pollution toxicology

� International interest. Unique studies in Hong Kong of global interest. Relevance to avoidable morbidity & mortality in Hong Kong

� Environmental Protection Dept, HK Govt � British Council

UK/HK Joint Research Scheme � Royal Society Po Kan

Tong Visiting Professorship � Health Care &

Promotion Fund

� Collaboration with (a) Govt Environmental

Protection Dept, (b) Policy makers, (c) Other local universities

(CUHK, UST), (d) Public health, clinical

services & economics, & (e) Overseas institutions &

agencies

5 Dr CLK Lam Medicine To develop a preference-based health-related quality of life index

� Family Medicine Unit, Medicine � Statistics

--- � RGC grant & University Seed Funding have been submitted

� The availability of the first quality of life utility measure for the Chinese population will provide opportunities for future research studies on cost-effectiveness of health services & medical treatment

6 Prof TH Lam Community Medicine

Tobacco or Health � Public health � Epidemiology � Nursing Studies � HK Council on Smoking

& Health � HA

� We are the leading researchers in HK & Internationally, esp. in the studies on active & passive smoking, & youth smoking. Two of us (Lam TH, Hedley AJ) had received the WHO award in 1998 & 1999 respectively. We have productive collaborative research with Guangzhou, Xi’an & Beijing. We are pioneers in research on smoking cessation in HK

� RGC � Health Care &

Promotion Fund � Health Services

Research Committee � HK Council on

Smoking & Health

� Collaborative studies with mainland researchers. Molecular epidemiological studies linking smoking, & other lifestyle factors with genetic factors


Adolescent health � Community Medicine � Family Planning

Association � Statistics � Psychiatry � Dept of Health

� I am the Chairman of the HKFPA Task Force on Youth Sexuality Surveys (3 series in 1991, 1996, 2001 respectively) & we have a rich source of data. We are collaborating with the School Health Services, Dept of Health on evaluation of health promotion

� Family Planning Association � Health Services

Research Committee � Dept of Health

� This series of surveys are repeated once every 5 years to measure trends of youth sexuality. New topics are added to explore relationships between sexuality & health. The School Health Services have a rich source of data for collaborative research

23



programmes & in research on eating disorders


Lifestyle & molecular (including genetic) epidemiology

� Community Medicine � Medicine � Biochemistry � Orthopaedic Surgery � Dept of Health � Guangzhou Occupational

Disease Prevention & Treatment Centre

� We started cardiovascular disease epidemiology in HK about 6 years ago. Collaboration also started with Oxford U (Sir Richard Peto FRS) to plan for large prospective study with storage of blood samples under liquid nitrogen. An application for ITF (HK$15 million) has been submitted in Oct 2001 to start a cohort of 50,000 elderly Chinese. I am working with Guangzhou collaborators to set up a cohort on workers & retired workers with liquid nitrogen storage (100,000 subjects)

� U Seeding grant � Grant from

Guangzhou

� Research into lifestyle, environment & genetic risk factors for common diseases in Chinese. A large bank of genetic materials & other biomarkers in plasma for many collaborative projects

9 Dr TP Lam Medicine Medical education research

� All � It involves all departments in the Faculty

� PBL Management Committee Grant

� Actual benefits to the new curriculum � In line with education reform

10 Dr GM Leung Community Medicine

Decision sciences (economics & management studies) for health policy

� Community Medicine � Medical & Health

Research Network � Health & Welfare Bureau � HA hospitals (all clinical

depts.)

--- � CRCG � Health Services

Research Committee � RGC grant

application has been submitted

� The Govt is pursuing an evidence-based policy-making future & the use of decision analytic technique is crucial to the accomplishment of this objective. Our Dept is spearheading this initiative in the academic sector in close partnership with the Faculty’s interdisciplinary Medical & Health Research Network. We have also recently been awarded a type A RPg to further develop this important area, specifically working on cost-effectivness studies & developing Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques


Epidemiology of maternal & child health.

� Community Medicine � Paediatrics

--- --- � We are building on the historical success of the Dept’s

24



� Obs & Gyn 2 population-based birth cohorts in 1987 & 1997, which have resulted in a significant number of publications. We are currently working closely with the Depts of Paediatrics, Obs & Gyn, & Biochemistry to work out a family longitudinal cohort examining a whole range of epidemiological & genetic/lifestyle influences on health


Screening � Community Medicine � Obs & Gyn � Surgery

� Population-based breast cancer screening using mammography

--- � Screening is a ubiquitous concern of preventive health care which is a priority area in Hong Kong. It is also applicable to virtually all clinical disciplines. Other applications include PSA (prostate cancer), FOB/colonoscopy (colorectal cancer), HIV, genetics screening

13 Dr SM McGhee Community Medicine

Decision Sciences for Health Policy (under the Health Services Research Group)

� Community Medicine � Medicine –Family Practice

Unit � Medical & Health

Research Network � HA � Dept of Health � Health & Welfare Bureau � Environmental Protection

Dept � CUHK Dept of

Community Medicine � U of Sheffield Health

Economics Unit

--- � Health Care & Promotion Fund � Health Services

Research Fund

� To influence local legislation, Government policies & opinion leaders on environmental protection, smoking & health care financing

14 Dr SM McGhee Community Medicine

Screening (Under the Health Services Research Group)

� Community Medicine � Obs & Gyn � Pathology � Medical & Health

Research Network � HK Family Planning

Association

--- � CRCG (Low budget, high impact) � Health Services

Research Fund � Health Care &

Promotion Fund

� The opportunity to influence local policy on screening for cancer & other health problems. Appropriate policies in these areas are vitally important for the health & well-being of the community & the use of health

25



� Caritas Medical Centre � U of Birmingham Dept of

Public Health

care resources

15 Dr AFY Tiwari Nursing Studies An evaluation of the effectiveness of PBL in developing nursing students’ critical thinking

� Nursing � Education

--- � RGC � In addition to successfully bidding for a RGC grant, this programme has the potential of forming alliance with overseas experts in the field & I am in the process of forming this

16 Dr CM Wong Community Medicine

Analysis for health effects of gene, environment & lifestyles

� Genetic statistics � Environmental health � Lifestyles & health

� Well established for research in environmental health � Supported for study in environment & lifestyle interaction on health � Statistical basis for newly

initiated study in lifestyle & molecular (genetic) epidemiology � Teaching statistics for Bioinformatics course

� Health Care & Promotion Fund � Environmental

Protection Dept, HK Govt

� Collaboration with Laboratory Genetic Statistics, Rockefeller U � Collaboration with Cambridge

MRC Biostatistics Unit � Potential PhD project

17 Dr SSC Chan (2nd priority)

Nursing Studies Education and training of health care professionals in tobacco dependency treatment

� Nursing � Community Medicine

� First training if its kind in HK � Successfully educated about 90 nurses in HK (75 HA Nurses) as “Smoking Cessation Counselors”

� CRCG Low Budget High Impact Grant � UCLA Pacific Rim

Research Programme)

� Development of a tobacco dependency treatment training centre in Faculty of Medicine, The U of HK for education and research

18 Dr CLK Lam (2nd priority)

Medicine Norming and Validation of health assessment surveys

� Family Medicine Unit, Medicine � Respiratory Division,

Medicine � Gastroenterology Division,

Medicine � Statistics

--- � HSRG � Health Services

Research Grant

� Further development in cross-cultural validation of quality of life and psychometric assessment instruments � Promotion of the use of

health-related quality of life as outcome measures in health services research and clinical trials

19 Dr AFY Tiwari (2nd priority)

Nursing Studies Empowerment intervention for abused women

� Obs & Gyn � Nursing Studies

--- � RGC (Low budget high impact)

� This programme will provide the data and track record for our application for a RGC competitive earmarked research grant in 2002

20 Dr CM Wong (2nd priority)

Community Medicine

Geographic variation of morbidity & mortality

� Public health surveillance � Health inequality � Geographic information

system

� Collaboration between health care planner, geographers, informaticians & epidemiologists

� Health Services Research Committee

� Implementation of equitable health resource allocation � Collaboration with WHO

26



� Geographic small area analysis

� Collaboration with health organization (HA) � Relevance to an optimal &

equitable allocation of health resources � PhD programme

21 Dr CM Wong (2nd priority)

Community Medicine

Public health surveillance using public information system

� Public health surveillance � Time-series analysis � Statistical modeling

� Population database, routinely collected data with no extra cost

� Health Services Research Committee

� Collaboration with WHO � Collaboration with influenza

study � Prediction of health services

utilization overtime � Implementation of public

health surveillance system � Assessment of the

population-based environmental & health intervention

22 Dr CLK Lam (3rd priority)

Medicine Screening and treatment of psychological problems in the elderly

� Family Medicine Unit, Medicine � Psychiatry � Clinical Trials Centre

--- Health Care and Promotion Grant application has been submitted

� This project may provide evidence supporting further research on the effectiveness of psychological treatment in general practice for other diseases

23 Dr SSC Chan (4th priority)

Nursing Studies Nursing Education � Nursing � Improve nursing curriculum in pursuit of achieving excellence

� TDG � Development of teaching innovations to enhance the quality of the nursing programmes in The U of HK � Academically – produce

publications in international referred journals

24 Dr SSC Chan (5th priority)

Nursing Studies Clinical nursing education � Nursing � Anyone who is interested

in clinical nursing education

� Improve nursing curriculum in pursuit of achieving excellence

� Not yet � Development of a clinical education model for the Bachelor of Nursing programme � Academically w produce publications in

international referred journals w application of Teaching

Development Grant 25 Dr YH Cheng

(Interested) Community Medicine

Disability, Chronic Illness and Ageing

� Internal Medicine � Genetics � Orthopaedics � Medical Sociology

� During the past decades, the demographic changes within the Hong Kong population support there is an increasing

� Health Service Research Fund

� To promote and evaluate the quality of care � To facilitate the efficiency of

care

27



number of aged people in society. Disability among the aged is not caused by age alone. A modernized life style may also trigger an earlier onset of chronic illness and the resulting disability

� To enhance social capital in the course of care for the aged and people with disabilities/chronic illness in society

V. REPRODUCTION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, NEUROSCIENCE AND CELL BIOLOGY (17)

(a) Reproduction and Human Development (12) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Dr SY Chan Paediatrics Human Development &

Birth Defects � Biochemistry � Embryology � Pathology � Molecular Biology � Transgenesis

--- � RGC � Core facilities in generating transgenic & ‘knock-out’ mice � Recognition as the Transgenic

Center in Asia � Generating animal models � Training research staff &

students � Close collaborations between

developmental biologists & clinicians � Establishment of Congenital

malformation database & Gene probe bank

2 Prof PC Ho Obs & Gyn Reproduction � Obs & Gyn � Paediatrics � Nursing Studies � Anatomy � Surgery � Biochemistry � Social Science � Zoology

� This is a programme which involves staff from different depts. There were regular research meetings. There was also collaboration with institutions in China & overseas

� U of Edinburgh � RGC � WHO � CRCG � Organon Company � CRCG

� The research activities may help to improve management of infertility, fertility regulation & perinatal care

3 Dr TTH Lao Obs & Gyn Way to healthy child: from gamete to childhood

� Centre of Human Reproduction � Social Work & Social Adm � Paediatrics (TYH) � Obs & Gyn (QMH) � Pathology � Obs & Gyn

� The main theme of this research program is to investigate the various factors affecting the normal development of human being from gametogenesis to the first few years of life, a period

� RGC � Apart from academic research, this program also aims to disseminate our expertise to promote the reproductive health of the Society through teaching & providing reproductive health services

28



� Prenatal Diagnosis & Counselling Dept (TYH) � Zoology � Surgery � Anatomy � Biochemistry

that have tremendous implication on the subsequent development & health of a human being

4 Dr CKF Lee Obs & Gyn Human Reproductive Biology – from gamete to childhood

� Anatomy � Biochemistry � Obs & Gyn � Paediatrics � Prenatal Diagnosis &

Counselling � Surgery � Zoology

� Enhance our understanding of the development of human being – to investigate the various factors affecting the normal development of human being from gametogenesis to the first few years of life, a period that have tremendous implication on the subsequent development & health of a human being

� CRCG � RGC � URG

� Apart from academic research, this program also aims to disseminate our expertise to promote the reproductive health of the society through teaching & providing reproductive health services

5 Dr VCH Lui Surgery Developmental biology & birth defects

� Embryonic development � Molecular biology � Molecular human genetics

--- � RGC � UGC

� Researchers with common interest get together for interactive discussion, collaboration � Very useful & important in

promoting research & securing external grant

6 Dr MH Sham Biochemistry Development & Birth Defects (Molecular Basis of Mammalian Development)

� Developmental Biology � Molecular Biology � Genetics � Cell Biology � Neuroscience

� Multidisciplinary collaboration well-established � Complementary expertise, formed a unique group in HK � Members have secured research grants, co-supervised postgraduate students, published journal articles together

� French/HK Joint Research Scheme � RGC � RGC Central Allocation � ISF

� Attracts cutting-edge technology development, e.g. genomics, microarray, bioinformatics � Has significant impact on wide

ranging disciplines, from basis to clinical & applied biotechnology

7 Prof PKH Tam Surgery Developmental Biology & Birth Defects

� Surgery � Biochemistry (HKU,

CUHK) � IMB � Paediatrics � Obs & Gyn � Pathology � Physiology � Nursing Studies

� Centre established in 1999 � Truly multidisciplinary as well as multi-institutional � Vibrant – quarterly seminars, inaugural lecture 1999, inaugural scientific symposium 2001, Croucher Foundation ASI in consecutive years 2000 &

� RGC � Renewed AoE application � Participation in new Genome

Centre � Extensive & intensive

international collaboration which is expanding � Biotechnical application e.g.

stem cell research with major impact on society, great funding

29



� Anatomy (CUHK) � Biology (HKUST) � Orthopaedic Surgery

2001 � Shortlisted AoE 2001

opportunities

8 Dr JYM Tse Obs & Gyn Way to healthy child: from gamete to childhood

� Spermatogenesis � Oogenesis � Fertilization � Early human embryo

development � Oviductal function � Interaction between

oviduct & embryo � Endometrial function � Fertility regulation � Fetal & perinatal

development � Stem cell biology � Psychosocial Profile of

infertility

--- � Unable to provide ---

9 Dr WSB Yeung Obs & Gyn Way to healthy child: from gamete to childhood

� Obs & Gyn � Paediatrics � Anatomy � Biochemistry � Pathology � Prenatal Diagnostic &

Counseling � Nursing Studies � Surgery � Law � Social Work

� The programme uses a multi-discipline approach to study various aspects of human development from gamete to early childhood. The programme has expertise in all the necessary areas

� RGC � The programme provides opportunities of intellectual exchange � Collaboration among members

of the programme increase the productivity of my research

10 Dr ANY Cheung (3rd priority)

Pathology Development of Fetus and Placenta

� Pathology � Obs & Gyn � Paediatrics � Surgery

� A tissue bank of normal placentas of a range of gestational age has been collected. With the background of studying gestational trophoblastic disease, expertise can be directed on the study of pathophysiology of placenta

--- � Facilitate multidisciplinary research in this field

11 Dr SY Chan (Interested)

Paediatrics Stem Cells � Paediatrics � Obs & Gyn � Surgery � Orth Surgery � Biochemistry

--- --- � Basic understanding in developmental biology � Regenerative medicine � Transplantation Therapy

30





Centre of Human Development & Birth Defects

--- --- --- � I’m interested in antenatal & post-natal imaging of human development & birth defects, namely using ultrasound & MRI (including fetal MRI)

(b) Neuroscience (5) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Prof J Hugon Anatomy Neurosciences:

Neurobiology of diseases � Cell Biology � Anatomy � Medicine � Surgery � Biochemistry � & others

� Aging of the population � Risks for Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain trauma, …

--- � Focus of cell & animal models, clinical studies & therapeutic interventions

2 Dr WT Wu Anatomy Neuroscience --- --- --- --- 3 Dr RMW Chau

(2nd priority) Anatomy MotoNeurotrophic Factor

Therapy for Neuro-degenative Diseases

� Biochemistry � Bionformatics � Molecular Biology � Computer Science � Chemistry � Physics � Medicine � Pathology � Neuroscience � Cell Biology � Mathematics � Cardiovascular Biology � Pharmacology � Pharmacy � Drug-design

NA --- � Interested by International Organisation & Pharmaceutical Companies as well as by International and National students

4 Dr Raymond CK Chan (Interested)

Psychiatry Neuroscience Research Programme

� Physiologists � Anatomists � Biomedical engineers � Psychiatrists � Neurologists � Psychologists

� In this University we have strength in some of the areas of studying nervous system functions, including development and maintenance of the system, its regulation on affective and cognitive behaviours as well as neurological and mental disorders manifestations. The staff are from various faculties and research

� RGC � Research Initiation

Fund

� Neuroscience is one of the most rapidly developed research area in the last decade. The U of HK, serving as a corner stone for bridging East and West, will facilitate and identify the points of regional and international interaction that already exist and build on some of these with particular focus on China. As an experimental neuropsychologist in the Dept

31



institutes including Faculty of Medicine, Engineering, Science, Education and Institute of Molecular Biology. One of the main strengths of the programme is the well-established Neuroscience Research Centre that has integrated staff from various disciplines to discuss their research and to generate new research projects and collaborations based on the strength of the existing staff

of Psychiatry, I can facilitate the programme by designing tailor-made experimental paradigms for imaging and neurophysiological studies



Neurosciences � Neurology � Neurosurgery � Diagnostic Radiology � Psychology � MRI center

--- CRCG � I would like to collaborate with researchers interested in studying Paediatric Neuroimaging. Currently, we have installed new software for MRI sequence “Diffusion Tensor imaging” & we have also applied for animal ethics approval for studying MRI, DWI, MRS of animal (rat, rabbit) brain (collaborating with Dr PT Cheung, Paediatrics). This programme will give me the opportunity to meet with other researchers interested in this area & provide a forum for generating new ideas

32

VI. OTHERS (12) No. Name Department Subject of the


programme 1 Dr Philip SL Beh Pathology Homicides in Hong Kong � Forensic Pathology

� Criminology --- � CRCG

� RGC � First comprehensive database of

homicide in HK � Future database comparisons:

local & international 2 Prof PCW Fung Medicine Medical Physics � Anatomy

� Electronic & Electrical Engineering � Cardiology � Surgery � Physiology � Respiratory Medicine � Immunology � Haematology � Hepatology

--- --- ---

3 Dr ML He IMB/Medicine Linkage of basic science & clinic science – The Biology of HBV

� Molecular Biology & virology

--- --- ---

4 Prof MSM Ip Medicine Sleep Related Breathing Disorders

� Radiology � Orthodontist � Endocrinology � Cardiology

--- � HSRC � RGC

� We have established HKU as one of the internationally recognized research centers in this area (publications in top respiratory journals & lectures at international conferences). In particular, we are in a position of leading research in this condition in Asian population

5 Dr KFJ Ng Anaesthesiology Coagulation changes associated with haemodilution

� Anaesthesiology � Pathology

--- � CRCG � Collaboration between Depts of Anaesthesiology & Pathology

6 Dr KFJ Ng

Anaesthesiology Platelet function monitoring in patients receiving NSAID & undergoing total knee replacement

� Anaesthesiology � Orthopaedic Surgery � Pathology

--- � CRCG � Collaboration between Depts of Anaesthesiology, Orthopaedic Surgery & Pathology

7 Dr MRC Rodrigo Anaesthesiology Sedation � Oral & Maxillofacial Department, QMH � Oral & Maxillofacial Dept,

Dental Faculty

� Currently carrying out research with them. ‘A comparison of propofol patient controlled sedation with patient maintained computer controlled sedation’

--- ---

33



8 Prof KF So Anatomy Molecular Technology for Drug Discovery & Synthesis

� Chemistry � Neuroscience � Molecular Biology � Cancer Biology � Chinese Medicine � Immunology � Pharmacology

It is an AoE Programme of the University

AoE grant � Already an AoE programme. It offers opportunity to pull together investigators from different disciplines

9 Dr DKK Au (2nd priority)

Surgery --- � ENT � Physiology � Otoacoustic emissions � Cochlear implantation � Vestibular functions

--- --- ---

10 Prof MSM Ip (2nd priority)

Medicine Bronchiectasis � Medicine (Respiratory) � Biochemistry

--- � RGC � We have been invited to contribute a chapter on Lung proteoglycans in Bronchiectasis in this internationally renowned series of books in Lung Biology

11 Dr MG Irwin (Interested)

Anaesthesiology --- --- � Not involved in any collaborative research programmes currently. � 1 collaborative clinical

research project planned with Dept of Surgery but not yet commenced

--- ---

12 Dr TW Leung (Interested)

Obs & Gyn --- --- --- --- ---

Documents

M.159/102 Amended Multi-disciplinary collaborative ... · 1 M.159/102 Amended ... gene targeting technology which has been established as a Core Facility in the Faculty of Medicine