e-Bulletin April 2024

Assets for Hope
Together, Change the World for the Better

Unless your news feed is tuned exclusively to cat-videos, hope can nose dive with 24/7 reports of the immense problems, and burdens and sorrows of life in 2024.  Because the world has so much that needs solving, we gather in schools like ours to connect to the assets that help people prevent, mitigate, and adapt. This issue highlights the people who collectively give us the power to rise to the challenges. Read on to learn about the new WHO Reference Laboratory, our March 2023 authors list, and the Belt and Road Scholars whose dreams are coming true as they fulfil their aspirations for lives that matter. Thinking about all the talented people contributing all they can to the work of our School gives me hope.  We all make a difference to each other every day.  Together, we are changing the world for the better.

Professor David Bishai
Director and Clinical Professor

School of Public Health, HKU

Appointed as WHO Reference Laboratory in Coronavirus Network
Division of Public Health Laboratory Sciences Contribute Expertise

The School’s Division of Public Health Laboratory Sciences has been appointed as a World Health Organization (WHO) Reference Laboratory in Coronavirus Network (CoViNet), starting in March 2024.

The WHO CoViNet was established in 2020 to enhance global expertise and capacities for early and accurate detection, monitoring, and assessment of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and novel coronaviruses of public health importance. Its core objectives include surveillance, risk assessment, and support for capacity building in laboratories, with a focus on a “One Health” approach. Such activities can help better manage or prevent the next major outbreak or pandemic caused by animal coronaviruses.

Professor Leo Poon, Division Head of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, is delighted to partner with CoViNet, “We are proud to contribute our expertise to this global initiative. Our work within the network and our research aim to inform evidence-based policies for pandemic preparedness and responses,” he expressed.

He also attributed this honour to collective efforts of colleagues: Professor Malik Peiris, Tam Wah-Ching Professor in Medical Science and Chair Professor of Virology, and Professor Michael Chan, Professor Tommy Lam, and Professor Hui-Ling Yen.

Publications in March 2024
Scholars’ Output Highlighted

The followings are research papers published by SPH researchers in March 2024:

Remark:

• This list is compiled by searching in Scopus using the keywords “School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong” for March 2024.
• * Member of School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong
• In alphabetical order of journal title

How to Enhance Research Paper’s Acceptance in Publication?
Seminar by Mr Matthew Smaldon, Executive Publisher of Elsevier

The School recently hosted a seminar on “Publishing with the Social Science & Medicine Family of Journals” by Mr Matthew Smaldon, Executive Publisher of Elsevier. The event took place on April 8, 2024 on the HKU medical campus and saw the in-person participation of 50 attendees.

The seminar commenced with the introduction of the speaker by Professor Vivian Lin, Executive Associate Dean of the LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU. Mr Smaldon, shared valuable insights and guidance on enhancing success in having research papers accepted for publication. Smaldon discussed the criteria that editors consider when deciding to send papers out for review, how to select an appropriate journal, and ethical publishing practices. Moreover, Mr Smaldon pointed to resources that are available to assist authors in selecting a journal that fits their topic.

The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session moderated by Professor Karen Grépin, Associate Professor of the Division of Health Economics, Policy and Management.  Professor Grépin has just begun a three year term of service on the Editorial Advisory Board of Elsevier’s prestigious journal, Social Science and Medicine.

HKU Taster@Easter
100 Secondary School Students Enjoyed Fruitful Day at BASc(GHD) Session

During HKU Taster Day@Easter – BASc(GHD) session on April 2, 2024, 100 enthusiastic secondary school students gathered to explore the fascinating world of Global Health and Development.

At the event, Professor Chung Pui Hong, Assistant Dean (Health Sciences Admissions) cum BASc(GHD) Programme Director, and Dr Andrew Park, BASc(GHD) Placement Coordinator, introduced the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Global Health and Development programme [BASc(GHD)]. They delved into critical topics of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), shedding light on the challenges and opportunities they present in today’s world.

From understanding the impact of NCDs on communities to exploring innovative solutions and interventions, the session ignited meaningful discussions about shaping a healthier and more equitable future for all.  The student participation made this event a resounding success.

Belt and Road Scholars
3 Students Share Reflections on Their Educational Journey

Three BASc(GHD) students received the Belt and Road Scholarship. Here are some of their reflections:

“The Belt and Road Scholarship has helped shift my perspective both academically and culturally. I have met doctors and visited hospitals in Hong Kong that follow a different health system from which I grew up in. Each course and opportunity given by the GHD programme opens a window into a new world more complex and dynamic than the last. And doing this along with like-minded peers makes it more valuable. I look forward to my placement next year, and to continue learning and growing!” – Harseni, Year 2 student from Sri Lanka

“… In my quest to pursue a career in the health sector on an international scale, this scholarship played a significant role in enabling me to pursue my higher education as non-local student studying at HKU and opening up a world of opportunities… With the scholarship, I maximised academic opportunities and engaged with the community. As an executive committee member of the Global Health and Development Society and member of various other societies, I actively participate in and organise extracurricular activities.” – Elsa, Year 2 student from Myanmar

“The Belt and Road Scholarship has provided me with high-quality education that would have otherwise been financially out of reach for me, and equipped me with the necessary tools and knowledge to address global challenges effectively. The networking opportunities and interactions with experts and fellow students have been invaluable in broadening my horizons.” – Phyo, Year 1 student from Myanmar

Supported by the Hong Kong SAR Government, the HKU Belt and Road Scholarship recognises outstanding students from participating Belt and Road countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar, among others. It aims to attract global talent and foster international cooperation. The scholarship supports students from countries under the initiative for the duration of their studies at HKU.

To view the full version of their reflections, please visit the Instagram of BASc(GHD).

Professor Chung Pui Hong Explains the Significance of Public Health
BASc(GHD) Programme to Nurture Future Leaders in Public Health

Professor Chung Pui Hong, Assistant Dean (Health Sciences Admissions), LKS Faculty of Medicine, BASc(GHD) Programme Director and Clinical Associate Professor of Practice of SPH, described the significance of public health and its impact on our society during a media interview at the RTHK Hong Kong United Programme on April 8, 2024. He also highlighted incredible opportunities offered by the BASc(GHD) programme which aims to nurture and develop future leaders in public health through interdisciplinary courses and an exciting 6-month overseas placement. Watch the interview now! (starts at 16’00)