e-Bulletin December 2025

As the year of 2025 comes to a close, much is overshadowed by our need to reflect on the tragic loss that Hong Kong experienced in the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

Amid this grief, we have also witnessed remarkable courage, generosity, and solidarity. Many members of our own School community rushed to volunteer their talent to aid the survivors. The mental health challenge for surrounding residents will remain with us for a long time, and I know that the expertise of our School will help residents process the sense of trauma.

As teachers, students, and researchers, our profession has a responsibility to advance all-hazards preparedness—whether for fires, heat waves, typhoons, pandemics, or emerging threats. New understanding of the biological, social, and physical causes of public health threats is essential for progress. Ways to execute strategies based on known facts are just as important. A cornerstone of preparedness is the cross-sectoral relationships and linkages we build before crises occur. Our School’s Reverse Research Day Mixer on December 9, 2025 was a vivid example of our School teaching and doing the work of convening multi-sectoral partners. Over 50 members of Hong Kong’s public health research and practice community gathered to foster new connections across disciplines and partners. These relationships strengthen our collective resilience and capacity to safeguard the health of Hong Kong. Attendees were able to make new connections for work on infectious diseases, aging, mental health, families, tobacco, and NCDs. Hundreds of new links were formed as a chain of new connections shared ideas about how they will work together to make Hong Kong healthy. The art of convening is a basic tool in public health. We rely on others to help us write the story of how we will work together. The photos in this issue of e-bulletin testify to our success and commitment to building groups that share strength. Partnerships are going forward with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, the International Psycho-Oncology Society, the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong, and our School’s 200 new MPH and RPg alumni from the class of 2025.

There is no silver lining to a tragedy, but the truth is that sometimes darkness helps the goodness of the human heart shine brighter.

Professor David Bishai
Director and Clinical Professor
School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong

Twelve SPH Faculty Members Recognised as “Highly Cited Researchers 2025”
A Continued Legacy of Research Excellence

Twelve faculty members from our School have been named by Clarivate as “Highly Cited Researchers 2025”. Their works have been highly cited by fellow academics and are hence making a significant impact on ongoing research in their respective fields of study.

Our School’s twelve Highly Cited Researchers are *:

• Professor Ester Cerin, Honorary Professor
• Professor Ben Cowling, Helen and Francis Zimmern Professor in Population Health, Chair Professor of Epidemiology, and Head of Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Professor Tommy Lam, Associate Professor
• Dr Eric Lau, Honorary Associate Professor
• Professor Gabriel Leung, Honorary Clinical Professor
• Professor Kathy Leung, Assistant Professor
• Professor Malik Peiris, Emeritus Professor and Honorary Clinical Professor
• Professor Leo Poon, Daniel C K Yu Professor in Virology, Chair Professor of Public Health Virology, Head of Division of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, and Associate Dean (Human Capital) of LKS Faculty of Medicine
• Professor Joseph Wu, Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health and Professor
• Professor Wu Peng, Associate Professor
• Professor Hui-ling Yen, Professor
• Professor Zhu Huachen, Associate Professor

*In alphabetical order of surname

According to Clarivate Analytics, a total of 6,868 scholars from 60 countries and regions worldwide have been named Highly Cited Researchers in 2025. Highly Cited Researchers are selected for their exceptional research performance, determined by production of multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for their fields and publication year in Web of Science over the past decade.

The School extends its heartfelt congratulations to our top scholars.

Welcoming Professor Chen Shanquan
Joining Our Academic Community

We are delighted to share with you that Professor Chen Shanquan joined our School as Assistant Professor in the Division of Community Medicine and Public Health Practice in November 2025. He is cross-listed in the Division of Behavioural Sciences.

Professor Chen joins us from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where he held the position of Assistant Professor and Deputy Co-Director of the Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health. Additionally, he serves as Extraordinary Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Peking University, and has consulted for notable organisations such as the World Bank and UNICEF.

Professor Chen specialises in epidemiology, mental health, healthy aging, and health economics. He examines how the social determinants of health impact mental health outcomes across diverse populations. He will develop a comprehensive research programme centred on population mental wellness in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, and seeks to establish interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Hong Kong. His interests, methods, and approach will integrate well with multiple concerns in our school and in Hong Kong.

The School extends our warm welcome to Professor Chen Shanquan. We encourage everyone to connect with him and explore potential opportunities for collaboration.

MoU Signing between HKUMed and Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Strengthening Ties to Tackle Future Health Challenges

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between HKUMed and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese CDC) on November 21, 2025.

The signing ceremony was followed by a meeting between the delegation and professors from our School. Discussions focused on potential collaborative avenues, including infectious disease surveillance technologies and, emergency response strategies, etc. Both parties also explored opportunities for global health collaboration, such as student exchanges and joint research projects. The visit concluded with a tour of our laboratory facilities guided by Professor Leo Poon and Professor Hui-ling Yen.

COSA-IPOS 2025
Leading Global Dialogue on Cancer Care

Professor Wendy Lam recently co-convened the 26^th International Psycho-oncology Society (IPOS) World Congress, held in Adelaide, Australia, from November 11-14, 2025. This year’s congress was particularly noteworthy as it was a joint meeting with the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), offering a truly integrated programme. This significant event brought together over 1,200 participants and featured numerous joint plenaries and concurrent sessions that emphasised the importance of incorporating psychosocial care into routine cancer care.

During the congress, Professor Lam delivered a keynote presentation titled, “Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Psychosocial Support in Oncology – Strategies to Overcome Systematic Challenges”. She also hosted a symposium on “Mapping the Current Landscape in the Asia Pacific Region: A SWOT Analysis of Psychosocial Care Integration in Routine Cancer Care”, where speakers from across the Asia Pacific shared their experiences and challenges related to integrating psychosocial cancer care in their localities. Additionally, Dr Danielle Ng, Research Assistant Professor of our School, presented GRF-funded research on “The Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Negative Metacognitive Beliefs in Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Chinese Cancer Survivors”, highlighting their ongoing efforts to enhance psychosocial interventions.

This congress served as a powerful testament to our School’s collective commitment to advancing holistic cancer care globally.

Plaque Unveiling Ceremony for HKJCGHI
Celebrating A New Hub for Global Health Innovation

We are pleased to announce that the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute (HKJCGHI) launched its new headquarters and joint laboratory with the University of Cambridge (UCAM) at HKUMed on October 17, 2025.

The commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests including Dr Ronald Lam, Director of Health of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Dr Henry Chan, Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club; Professor Zhang Xiang, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU); and Mr Wong Yan-lung, Deputy Chairman of the Friends of Cambridge University in Hong Kong. Also present during the celebration were senior representatives from HKU, UCAM, and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI).

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute has launched a landmark initiative to reinforce its commitment to fostering vaccine research, capacity building, and international collaboration. The new vector-borne diseases research lab also represents a critical step in strengthening our defences against global health threats.

School Retreat 2025
Building Connections, Shaping the Future

On November 8, 2025, our School community came together for an energising half-day retreat, uniting over 30 academic and teaching staff to envision a collaborative path forward. The event kicked off with welcome remarks by our School Director, Professor David Bishai, followed by inspiring reflections on Interdisciplinary Collaboration Hubs from Professors Jane Zhao (Healthy Aging) and Wu Peng (One Health), highlighting the power of cross-disciplinary synergy in tackling complex challenges.

Professor Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, Chair of the Retreat Organising Committee, guided participants through the agenda and invited division representatives to share standout achievements, showcasing the School’s diverse strengths. The highlight of the retreat unfolded in lively breakout sessions, where teams delved into three key themes: People & Pathways, Partnerships & Impact, and Structures & Systems.  Engaging exchanges sparked the emergence of priority areas such as fostering mentorship programmes for junior staff, nurturing a culture of cross-divisional collaboration, and amplifying our strategic presence in the Greater Bay Area.

After lunch, attendees enjoyed an in-person exchange session with Professor Gong Peng, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of Hong Kong, moderated by Professor Bishai. Professor Gong’s heartfelt reflections on his public health journey, along with insights on the School’s strategic direction and advice for early-career academics, left the audience both inspired and reflective.

The retreat wrapped up with a shared commitment to action, and the recommendations from the discussions will soon inform the School’s strategic priorities. As we carry this momentum forward, we look forward to transforming these collective visions into impactful realities—strengthening our community and shaping a brighter future for public health together.

GO WHO Global Health Career Skills Building Workshop
Nurturing the Next Generation of Global Health Leaders

Hosted by our School in collaboration with the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health of the City University of Hong Kong, and the College of Professional and Continuing Education of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Go WHO Global Health Career Skills Building Workshop was successfully completed in November.

The two-day workshop brought together 50 young health professionals, offering them with essential guidance on pursuing a career with the World Health Organization (WHO). Ms Li Wei, Deputy Director-General of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of the National Health Commission (NHC), attended and delivered opening remarks, encouraging young professionals to utilise their professional knowledge and ideas to help shape the future of global health.

WHO representatives, including Dr Liu Yue, Dr Tamás Landesz, Mr Eric Glenn de Guzman Lawas, and Mrs Alvina Dianne Muñoz, led sessions introducing WHO’s projects, the recruitment process, and interview techniques. These presentations aimed to help participants prepare for future career opportunities at the WHO.

Hong Kong Premiere of “Silent Pandemic“
Exploring the One Health Approach to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

Supported by our School, the One Health Hub co-hosted an engaging event on November 24 with the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), titled “Exploring the One Health Approach to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)”.

The event featured the Hong Kong premiere of the documentary “Silent Pandemic”, followed by an interactive discussion. The session featured leading experts, including Professor Vanessa Barrs, Dean of the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at the CityUHK; Dr Edmond Ma, Consultant at the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; as well as academic staff from various schools and departments of HKUMed. Students from HKU and CityUHK also participated in the discussion.

Nearly 80 participants joined this insightful event to explore how the One Health approach can effectively address the global AMR crisis by integrating human, animal, and environmental health strategies. By bringing together the diverse strengths of the School and empowering the community, the One Health Hub continues to serve as a platform for impactful discussions and collaboration.

A Proud Welcome to Our Latest MPH and RPg Graduates
Highlights from the 215^th Congregation Ceremony

The 215^th Congregation Ceremony of the LKS Faculty of Medicine was held on November 29, 2025, at the HKU Campus. The School is delighted to welcome our new graduates from the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Research Postgraduate (RPg) programmes into our vibrant alumni community.

Equipped with dedication and expertise, they are ready to lead and innovate in public health practice, policy, and research. Their commitment will undoubtedly contribute to healthier communities and a better future worldwide.

The School extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the MPH and RPg graduates.

Cenderawasih University Delegation Visits HKUMed
Fostering Collaboration Across Academic Landscapes

Our School recently welcomed a delegation of 98 students and faculty members from Cenderawasih University of Indonesia to the HKUMed campus. This visit served as an introductory exchange, offering the delegation an overview of our School’s activities. Highlights included updates on our Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Global Health and Development [BASc(GHD)] programme and the latest advancements in our Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) initiatives, enriched by an insightful sharing session from a GHD alumnus. This meaningful visit offered an excellent opportunity for mutual understanding and informal discussions, strengthening connections and fostering collaboration across our respective academic landscapes.

ConquerFear-HK
Recent Research Unlocks Patterns of HFMD in Hong Kong and South Korea

Led by Professor Wendy Lam, Director of the Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care and Associate Professor of our School, together with Dr Danielle Ng, our Research Assistant Professor, a recent study published in Karger [link to the publication] assessed the effectiveness of the “ConquerFear-HK” intervention in reducing fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among Chinese cancer survivors, compared with standard survivorship care.

Findings showed that ConquerFear-HK demonstrated potential as a short-term, quick-acting intervention for alleviating FCR in Chinese cancer survivors, though its superiority in sustaining long-term benefits was not demonstrated. This implies the intervention warrants further optimisation, such as shortening sessions, integrating booster modules, and enhancing overall intervention adherence.

The study also highlights that standard survivorship care should remain the foundational approach of support, while ConquerFear-HK can be served as a targeted intervention for patients requiring extra support. Future research will focus on maximising long-term efficiency and integrate the intervention into broader survivorship care frameworks.

Silica Particles in Wheat Flour
Environmental Links to Cancer Risk

A recent study by Professor Tian Linwei, our Associate Professor, and his team discovered that wheat flour from drier, high-ESCC (Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma) arid regions in northern China contains almost twice as many sharp, needle-like silica particles. While washing can reduce the presence of these particles, it does not fully remove them, particularly in regions where water is scarce. The findings suggest that environmental factors like aridity may increase silica intake and potentially contribute to geographic disparities in cancer risk.

The findings have now been published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. Click here to view the publication.

Aerobic Exercise Shown to Ease Depression in People with Chronic Illnesses
Research Shows that Around 19 Minutes of Moderate Daily Activity Can Make a Difference

A recent study led by Professor Parco Siu, our Professor and Head of Division of Kinesiology, examined how different amounts of aerobic exercise can help reduce depression in people with long-term illnesses. Researchers found a dose-response relationship and established that about 405 MET-minutes* of aerobic exercise per week—roughly 19 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking at a normal pace, daily—can significantly alleviate depressive symptoms. Notably, this threshold is lower than the current global recommendation of 450 MET-minutes per week, indicating that lesser amounts of aerobic exercise can be beneficial. The findings suggest that minimal amounts of aerobic exercise, even at levels below global recommendations, are an effective strategy for managing depression in patients with chronic health conditions.

The findings have now been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Click here to view the publication.

* MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) and is a way to measure the intensity of physical activities.

A Wall of Memories
Our School’s Story Comes to Life

A vibrant new photo collage is now on display on the G/F of Patrick Manson Building, marking the completion of our School Wall Decor project. The installation transforms the space into a gallery of our shared memories, showcasing photos from past events—from milestone celebrations to candid, signature moments that capture the spirit of our vibrant community.

Take a moment to explore this visual tribute to our School’s history and the people who make it thrive.

Publications in October and November 2025
Scholars’ Output Highlighted

The following are research papers published by SPH researchers in October and November 2025:

Remarks:

      * Member of School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong

• 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 October and November 2025
• Arranged by date of publication