Media

HKU GRANTED $30 MILLION FOR RESEARCH ON INFECTIOUS DISEASE

21 May 2004

 

The University of Hong Kong has been awarded a HK$30-million grant for three proposals commissioned by the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau and supported by the Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Disease (RFCID).

At today's contract signing ceremony (May 21) were Professor Lap-Chee Tsui, HKU's Vice-Chancellor; and Dr E K Yeoh, Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food. On hand to outline details of their projects were Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung from HKU's Department of Microbiology; and Professor Lam Tai-Hing from HKU's Department of Community Medicine.

"The University of Hong Kong is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in identifying the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus, its outstanding work in avian influenza H5N1 research and surveillance, and for the solid track record and international profile of many of its investigators. The funding to the University of Hong Kong will further consolidate its initiatives through a focused research programme," said Dr E K Yeoh.

He pointed out that as observed directly with SARS, a rapid response to infectious diseases is only possible with a strong foundation in scientific research.

Professor Lap-Chee Tsui expressed his excitement to the grant. He said, "This represents a very important first step on the road towards developing the HKSAR as a centre of learning in infectious diseases in Asia"

He believed that the grant will also contribute to the development of knowledge-based industry in Hong Kong and lead to a sound economic infrastructure. In the long term, it will minimize the impact of emerging infectious diseases on the economy.

The $30-million grant will support two main projects led by Professor Yuen Kwok-Yung and Professor Lam Tai-Hing. $8 million will go towards the completion of construction of the Biosafety Level 3 (BL-3) Laboratory for animal studies, enhancing the research infrastructure of the University. $22 million will go towards research in basic laboratory, epidemiological and public health research in emerging infectious diseases. The research spans 5 years and is expected to produce results from almost 30 different research projects.

The RFCID was established following the SARS outbreak last year to encourage, facilitate and support research on the prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases.

media enquiries, please contact Miss Polo Leung at HKU's External Relations Office at 2859 2600.