Media

HKU & PolyU to announce the establishment of Respiratory Virus Research Foundation

11 Nov 2015

 

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) will join with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to announce the establishment of “Respiratory Virus Research Foundation” to support respiratory viral infection research and corresponding translational research in Hong Kong tomorrow (November 12, 2015) with a total donation of HK$24 million. A ceremony and press conference will be held at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, with guests from supporting foundations and representatives from both universities.

The press conference will be hosted by Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Henry Fok Professor in Infectious Diseases, Chair Professor of Infectious Diseases from the Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, who will explain the latest discovery of his research team on the effect of applying imiquimod ointment before vaccination to expedite, augment and prolong the immunogenicity of flu vaccination among young and healthy people. The study has been published on November 9, 2015 in the leading medical journal The Lancet Infectious Disease. An earlier research by Professor Yuen’s research team has already found that pretreatment with topical imiquimod significantly enhanced and prolonged the protection by the flu vaccine in elderly patients.

Members of the media are cordially invited to the event. Below please find the details:

Date: November 12, 2015 (tomorrow)

Time/ Activity:

15:15 Press conference   by Professor Yuen Kwok-yung and Dr Ivan Hung Fan-ngai to present latest research published in The Lancet Infectious Disease; PolyU Vice President (Research Development) Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong and Director of Innovation and Technology Development Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting will join the QA session

16:20 Ceremony to announce the establishment of the Respiratory Virus Research Foundation

Venue: Exhibition Area, G/F, Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU (Map: http://www.med.hku.hk/v1/contact-us)

A shuttle bus (Car plate: PZ 3328) is arranged to pick up the press from Admiralty to the venue.  Members of the press please wait outside McDonald’s of Admiralty Centre (Exit A of the Admiralty MTR Station).  The bus will leave at 2:45 pm sharp.

The Foundation would like to thank the generous donations from:

D. H. Chen Foundation (Nan Fung Group)

Madam Yat-Wah Fong & Shaw Foundation

Mr Pony Ma

The University of Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Macau Henry Fok Foundation

Stanley Ho Medical Foundation

Moonchu Foundation

Media Enquiry:

HKU       Communications and Public Affairs Office Ms Rhea Leung (tel: 2857 8555 / 9022 7446; email: rhea.leung@hku.hk)

PolyU      Communications and Public Affairs Office Ms Winnie Lam (tel: 2766 6377 / 9739 0807; email:

winnie.py.lam@polyu.edu.hk)