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S.H. Ho Research Centre for Infectious Diseases
何善衡傳染病研究中心

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, the world has experienced several major infectious disease outbreaks that have caused significant harm to human health and disrupted social activities. These outbreaks include HIV, seasonal influenza, avian influenza, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, COVID-19, and more recently, Monkeypox. Research has played a crucial role in responding to these outbreaks, shaping public health responses at national and international levels, and informing the community’s responses to these health threats. Preparedness for future outbreaks is critical, and a coordinated effort based on solid scientific research is needed to achieve effective control. In Hong Kong, with its dense population, its role as a hub between East and West, and its proximity to outbreak epicenters, infectious diseases pose a particular threat. To better prepare for future infectious disease threats, a coordinated, cross-disciplinary approach is necessary, and a research centre that brings together researchers with different expertise would be better positioned to generate timely and useful scientific knowledge.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has established a new research centre – S.H. Ho Research Centre for Infectious Diseases to address these challenges, with the generous donation of the S.H Ho Foundation. Inaugurated on 27 June 2023, the Centre will focus on infectious disease research, facilitate collaboration within CUHK, and train young academics. By bringing together researchers from different disciplines, the Centre will be better positioned to generate impactful scientific knowledge and advance the sciences of infections. Ultimately, the centre aims to benefit Hong Kong, Greater China, and have an impact on the international front in responding to infectious disease threats.

VISION, MISSION & OBJECTIVES

The vision of S.H. Ho Research Centre for Infectious Diseases is to excel in the scientific investigations of infections which impact public health.

The mission of the centre is to advance the sciences of infections for creating positive health impacts in the population. This mission is underpinned by the following objectives:

  1. Enhance knowledge in epidemiology, prevention and control of infections and infectious diseases with priority for conditions of importance in Hong Kong, Greater China and the region;
  2. Develop and engage in cross-disciplinary research with findings for translation into best practices in improving population health; and
  3. Build capacity in research in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases;

KEY CENTRE ACTIVITIES

The main activities of the Centre are

  • Academic research;
  • Annual Scientific meeting;
  • Educational activities;
  • Consultancy and consultant services.

The main focus of the Centre’s research are infectious diseases of public health importance with special emphasis on emerging and re-emerging infections impacting or are anticipated to impact Hong Kong, Greater China and the Asia-Pacific region. With a cross-disciplinary approach, the types of research include:

  • Epidemiology, public health surveillance and modelling
  • Clinical trials and cohorts for longitudinal assessment of disease patterns
  • Community research for assessing population risks in infections
  • Molecular, space-time and network analyses of emerging and re-emerging infections

An Annual Scientific Meeting will be hosted by the Centre, which features state-of art presentation by international experts on emerging infections and priority issues in infectious disease prevention, treatment and control. It is anticipated that 200-400 participants including medical specialists, health care professionals and students/trainees will participate in this one or two-day event to share experiences and expertise. Around 20% of the participants are estimated to be from the Mainland, Macau and other parts of the world.

Four forms of educational activities will be delivered by the Centre: (a) conducting university courses in infectious diseases for undergraduates and postgraduates; (b) development of educational resources including management manuals for selected infectious disease conditions; (c) graduate studentship and fellowship for young academics; (d) community education through hosting designated websites relating to the prevention and care of infections.

Academic Members are appointed as members or chairs to various government committees to advise on the strategy for infectious diseases control in Hong Kong. From time to time, consultancy services would be taken on by Academic Members to undertake technical tasks to contribute towards policy development.